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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
16
And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray him.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"If you seek to understand the reasons behind Judas's actions, you will discover that he succumbed to greed. Consider the depths of Judas’s malevolence; he willingly engaged in betrayal for a trivial amount of money. Luke records that he conspired with the chief priests (Luke 22:4). Due to Jewish unrest, the Romans installed their leaders to maintain order, having stripped the Jews of their authority as prophesied. When Judas approached these leaders, he asked, “What will you give me to betray Him?” They offered him thirty pieces of silver, and from that moment, he sought an opportunity to turn Jesus over to them (Matthew 26:15-16). Fearful of the crowds, he aimed to isolate Jesus. What madness! How profoundly blinded he was by his greed! Although he had witnessed numerous miracles demonstrating Jesus's divinity and power, Judas believed he could somehow restrain Him. Even after receiving countless warnings from Jesus, spoken both with severity and gentleness, Judas remained unrepentant. Even during the Last Supper, Jesus continued to engage with him up until His final moments. Yet Judas did not gain insight from this; nevertheless, the Lord continued His mission. This awareness should compel us to tirelessly reach out to those who are lost and indifferent, encouraging, teaching, comforting, and counseling them, regardless of our own benefit. Jesus, fully aware that Judas would not repent, still showed him care and compassion, not openly but subtly. When the betrayal occurred, Jesus even permitted Judas to kiss Him, but all these gestures were in vain for him. This illustrates the profound danger of greed. It rendered Judas both sacrilegious and treacherous. Let all who crave wealth heed this warning—beware the harrowing grip of greed. If one who walked with Christ, witnessed miracles, and received profound teachings could fall into such despair due to this affliction, how much more vulnerable are those who have not even been exposed to Scripture and who cling tightly to worldly desires? Judas was in constant proximity to the One who had nowhere to lay His head, repeatedly taught through actions and words to renounce material possessions, yet he remained unrestrained. What chance do you have of escaping this disorder if you lack diligent resistance? Truly, this affliction is dreadful. Yet, if you desire, it can be easily overcome. It is not a natural inclination, as evidenced by those who have been freed from it. While natural desires afflict us all, this desire stems from negligence; from negligence it is birthed and nurtured, ensnaring those who are captivated by it, leading them to an unnatural existence. When individuals fail to recognize their fellow human beings—friends, family, neighbors—they do not truly know themselves, which is an unnatural state. Thus, it is evident that wickedness is unnatural, as is the greed that transformed Judas into a traitor. You may wonder how he became a traitor despite being called by Christ. God, in His call to humanity, applies no coercion nor forces upon the unwilling; He counsels and encourages in every way to inspire righteousness, and if some resist, He does not compel them. If you inquire into Judas’s downfall, you will see he was lost to greed. Why, you might ask, was he overtaken by this passion? Because of his carelessness. It is negligence that leads to such transformations, while diligence inspires the opposite. Numerous individuals have transitioned from cruelty to gentleness, from indulgence to chastity, and from avarice to selflessness. Conversely, Giezias lived in close proximity to a holy man but fell into ungodliness through his greed (2 Kings 5). Indeed, covetousness is the most insidious of passions—leading to robbery, murder, conflict, and every kind of evil. Such a person proves worthless, whether in leadership roles or in private life. When he desires a spouse, he seeks the most morally corrupt; when he aims to purchase a home, he chooses not based on nobility but on potential profit. Whether purchasing slaves or other items, he selects the worst options. Even as a ruler, he embodies wretchedness, becoming a scourge upon the earth, feeling impoverished and disconnected from all. His perspective distorts his view of earthly goods, prompting him to covet what he does not yet have, considering what he possesses as worthless. Thus, it is said that there is no one more lawless than a man consumed by the love of money. Such a person degrades himself into being an enemy of creation, mourning that the ground yields no gold and despising the beauty of nature. He cannot appreciate the lushness of the earth, instead feeling resentment over any situation that does not yield profit. He bears animosity toward the poor, fearing their requests for aid, and harbors envy for the rich, mourning what he lacks. He perceives the world as having stripped him of what belongs to him and lives constantly in discontent. Conversely, one who is free from these avaricious desires and who embraces true wisdom finds happiness. The virtuous—be they bound or enslaved—experience true joy. No adversary can truly harm them, no matter how many gather against them, while the corrupt individual, even if he wears royal crowns, faces suffering from all sides. Such is the power of wickedness! Such is the strength of virtue! Why grieve in impoverished circumstances? Why lament on festive occasions? This is a time for joy. Your wants do not define your worth; if you are wise, even poverty can be a source of triumph. Why do you sob, dear one? Have you been ill-treated? Good, for this makes you more resilient. Has someone taken from you? They have merely relieved you of unnecessary burdens. Has your reputation been tarnished? This opens the door to another kind of freedom. Reflect on how the secular world perceives misfortune; they claim that one has not truly suffered unless one internalizes the experience. Has someone taken away your grand, fortified home? The world remains vast before you, replete with public spaces for your enjoyment or benefit. What could be more magnificent than the expanse of the heavens? When will you allow yourself to feel destitute? True richness does not stem from material wealth, nor does true poverty arise from lack of possessions. The soul, being superior to the body, should not be swayed by that which is weaker. Rather, it draws in what is lesser and impacts it accordingly. Should any affliction beset the heart, it spreads through the entire being; if the heart is sound, it can restore what is ailing within. Likewise, if any members of the body are harmed while the heart remains healthy, it can easily heal them. To illustrate: what worth does a healthy branch have when the root is withered? Conversely, what harm is there when the leaves fade but the root remains strong? Thus, monetary wealth holds no value if the soul is impoverished, while a rich soul renders material lack inconsequential. How, you ask, can the soul prosper while lacking in earthly riches? In truth, it can be particularly enriched during those times, for it often grows richer in the face of adversity. If, as noted, the hallmark of a wealthy person is a disregard for money, while a poor person is defined by a need for wealth, then it follows that poverty cultivates richness. It is commonly acknowledged that the wealthy thirst for more than the poor, much like a glutton feels a greater thirst than a temperate drinker. Desire cannot simply be extinguished by indulging it; rather, it grows stronger with the act of fulfillment. Like fire that rages more with every fuel added, so too does the hunger for riches intensify with each addition of wealth. Consequently, when the desire for more exposes a heart of poverty, and a rich man longs for more, he embodies a profound lack. Behold how the soul can be left particularly impoverished in abundance, yet rich in deprivation. If I might clarify with an illustration, consider two individuals: one with ten thousand talents and another with ten. If we were to take the talents from both, who among them would lament more? Clearly, the one with ten thousand. Yet his sorrow stems from his love of those riches; for the more one loves, the more one desires. Desire is born from need, and where there is no need, desire wanes. It is primarily in times of thirst that we feel the need for drink. I share these thoughts to emphasize that if we remain vigilant, no one can harm us, and our suffering arises not from external poverty but rather from within. Therefore, I implore you to eradicate the sin of greed, that we might be spiritually rich in this life and partake in eternal blessings through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory forever. Amen. \\n\\nWhy did he commit such deeds? He was a thief, consumed by his longing for wealth, ultimately trading the Lord of the universe for mere thirty pieces of silver. What greater madness exists than this? Before the One for whom there is nothing that holds equal worth, who sees all nations as inconsequential (Isaiah 40:17)—this is who Judas sold for a paltry sum. The hold of avarice is burdensome; it has the power to drive the soul into madness. It is not drunkenness that breeds insanity, but an obsession for silver; it is not raving that causes delirium, but the craving for money. What did you exchange for Manifold Grace? You were called into fellowship, equipped with knowledge, promised countless bounties, empowered to perform miracles, and shared in meals and travels as equal to the other apostles. Could none of this hold you? For what reason did you betray Him? Wicked one, what grounds do you have for grievance? What good thing was withheld from you? He understood your heart yet continued to reveal Himself to you. Time and again, He warned, “One of you will betray Me” (Matthew 26:21); He gently admonished, showed you many signs of compassion, yet you were not dissuaded. Even washing your unclean feet while embracing you as one of the twelve did not sway you. You hoarded the poor's portion, and out of love, He endured your transgressions, aiming to prevent you from descending even deeper into vice. To be devoid of sentiment is one thing, yet even the inanimate should have changed for you under such conditions! But you, who became more unfeeling than a rock, witnessed countless miracles, teachings, and the glory of His presence without transformation. Beware of this abandonment that afflicts the traitor; this affliction is born of attachment to earthly wealth, leading to spiritual blindness and distance from God despite His numerous gifts. Sever this passion; it is not trivial; it births countless ruinous deaths. Let us reflect on Judas's corruption and take heed to avoid his fate. The Scriptures caution against the allure of greed. It is not merely the love of wealth but any craving beyond necessity that bears grave consequences. Did Judas fall to the temptation of gold? No, it was thirty pieces of silver that he chose. Recall the earlier message: selfishness does not solely express in seeking much, but significantly in desiring little. What a treachery Judas displayed for such a meager return—not even for gold, but for silver! A man possessed by avarice will inevitably be blind to the eternal light of Christ; this is a certainty. The root of all evil is covetousness. If even one who bears such a vice becomes estranged from divine glory, what fate awaits the one who harbors its roots?"},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"Every person who is enamored with wealth and pretends to uphold virtue for the purpose of prudence, upon acquiring the desired treasure, abandons the life he once embraced as a follower of the Word."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The high priests offered him thirty pieces of silver; and a piece of silver served as a unit of measure, akin to a denarius, a statyr, or a talent. Mark (Mark 14:11) indicates that they 'promised' to deliver the silver, while Luke (Luke 22:5) notes that they 'agreed' to do so. It is possible that initially they entered into an agreement and later reneged. Some interpret the term 'put' as meaning: agreed and designated. Additionally, Luke (Luke 22:6) mentions that Judas also 'confessed,' meaning he made a firm commitment, vowing sincerely to fulfill the arrangement. By a convenient time, I refer to a moment favorable for the capture of Jesus Christ, ensuring that there would be no disruption during His arrest. From this point forward in the Gospels, great care must be taken to reconcile the various accounts of the evangelists, which may seem contradictory and pose challenges for the inattentive reader. Consequently, while following Matthew's account, we will, where necessary, include references from the others for clarity and harmony in the narrative."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The phrase ‘a convenient occasion’ reveals the truth, as he was apprehensive of the crowd and desired to apprehend Jesus secretly, echoing the sentiments of Chrysostom and Theophilus. The Sanhedrin members were concerned about a potential uproar among the people."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Judas sought a moment to betray Jesus Christ in secret (Luke 22:6). His intention to deceive was driven not only by the Sanhedrin's request but also by his own selfish fears. He chose the cover of darkness for his treachery, revealing the cowardice inherent in sin, which is as dim as it is misguided. Despite having witnessed numerous displays of Jesus' divine power, Judas still believed he could find a moment where Jesus might not reveal Himself to his adversaries. The thought of openly revealing his betrayal to the people was too burdensome for him. O divine Light! O Love that surrenders for our suffering! Shine upon us, that our souls may recognize the destruction of our sinful cravings. Instill within us a sacred reverence, allowing us to recoil from sin as it approaches. Fortify our will with Your grace, empowering us to stand against iniquity. Dear friends, the enormity of Judas's sin is striking; his willingness to trade the Savior for mere silver is horrifying. The vice of greed consumed him gradually. \\n\\nIt is crucial for us to combat sin, and victory is within our reach if we confront it in its early stages. Why do we indulge in triviality or indiscretion that gives breathing space to our lesser passions, allowing them to gain dominance over us? Let us not permit our wicked hearts to devise justifications for our frailties. With determination and rigor, we must resist sin at its first touch on our souls. We are called to struggle against sin to the point of shedding blood, to sacrifice our strength and all that we cherish. We should sever dangerous associations, avoid the company of the unrighteous, and not linger in the paths of the sinful (Psalm 1:1). The eternal salvation of our souls merits the greatest temporal efforts. Let us safeguard ourselves for the honor of God's name. \\n\\n“Listen, all who suffer from the affliction of Judas,” warns St. Chrysostom; “heed and be wary of the sin of greed. If Judas, who walked with Christ, performed miracles, and shared profound teachings, fell into such despair due to this malady, how much more susceptible are you, who neglect the Scriptures and focus only on the transient? Without diligence, how can you hope to evade this disease? This vice is the root of all others. From it arise murder, wars, and every form of evil. Wealth brings no benefit when the soul is impoverished, nor does poverty harm when the soul is rich… To God be the glory. Amen."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Judas agreed and began searching for a chance to betray Him away from the crowd. Having made this disgraceful pact, the contracted betrayer secretly returned to the sacred fellowship of Jesus, portraying the guise of an apostle until that moment. One cannot help but marvel at how challenging it must have been to remain in close proximity to the Son of God for so long without being transformed, without drawing from His divine Spirit, prompting us to ask with the Church: What did you become, Judas, the betrayer of the Savior? Why were you removed from the company of the Apostles? Have you taken away our healing gift? Would I deny you your share in the meal with them? Oh, how many blessings did you forget! Judas’s soul was beset with sinful thoughts, and it seems that Satan himself penetrated it. The holy Evangelists describe his plight as follows: Only Satan could transform an Apostle into a traitor and a son of destruction. It is vital to recognize that the mystery of humanity's redemption through the death of the Son of God was hidden from the powers of darkness. Within the protection of this mystery, the Wisdom of God, who scoffs at the schemes of this primordial adversary, allowed him to orchestrate his own ruin. The enemy aimed to end the unbearable impact of Jesus Christ’s teachings and miracles, just as he had driven the prophets to martyrdom and had silenced John the Baptist at the hands of the wicked Herod. Yet, in this instance, the outcome was the opposite: through the death of the Son of God, which required immense effort from the adversary, a decisive defeat was inflicted upon him, permanently vanquishing his dominion over sin and death. St. John alludes to the entrance through which the ancient serpent slithered into Judas’s soul, ensnaring his mind and heart. This was the love of money, which had taken root in him long ago, smoldering until it erupted into a hellish blaze where Satan reigned as though it were his fortress. During the meal at Bethany, as Judas lamented the world, the devil tightened his grip on the silver-lover’s soul, dragging him toward damnation. The Lord observed all that was occurring within that tormented soul, deliberately concealing it from His disciples until the last moment; otherwise, Peter’s fervent spirit might have attempted to thwart such tragedy. St. Chrysostom exclaims: Such is the grave peril of greed! It turned Judas into both a sacrilegious wretch and a traitor. Listen, all you who love money and suffer from the malady of Judas! Heed and take warning against the vice of greed! If one who walked with Christ, performed miracles, and received profound teachings fell into such despair, how much more susceptible are you to this temptation if you remain careless? This vice stands as the worst of all vices. From it arise murderers, wars, disputes, and every form of wickedness, no matter the name you give it. There is no benefit when the soul is ailing, and no harm when the soul is affluent."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After the discussions concluded, Judas left, and his only concern became orchestrating a favorable and significant scheme. From that moment, he sought a chance to hand Him over. This event unfolded on the Tuesday prior to Easter."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A red-haired Jew, according to tradition, was brought into the sinister council chamber, where his cunningly bright eyes betrayed a restless and covetous spirit. This figure was Judas Iscariot, the sole Jew among the apostles in the true sense of the word, hailing from Cariotus, a town in Judea. He embodies the only individual in the Scriptures who was condemned by the Lord Himself to destruction. His downfall arose from his sinful affection for the world. He epitomized those insincere disciples who followed Christ, anticipating an earthly reign. However, as the Savior persistently foretold the suffering and death that awaited Him, Judas realized his hopes were unfulfilled; instead of a royal throne, he was confronted with various trials and persecutions. Consequently, he resolved to betray his Master to His adversaries, believing that such an act would bring financial gain and compensate for his disillusioned expectations. Greed had become ingrained in his nature. He had long indulged this craving through the communal funds entrusted to him by the apostles, and this desire had escalated to the point where he displayed it openly before his fellow disciples, who recognized him as a thief. During a meal at Simon's house, when he was rebuked by the Savior for his cunning remarks about Mary’s virtuous act, bitterness took root within him, and in that moment, Satan entered into him, leading him to resolve on treachery. Under the cover of darkness, he stealthily made his way to Jerusalem and presented himself before the Sanhedrin. The high-ranking conspirators were eager for this opportunity, and when Judas requested a favor that was considerable for him but trivial for them—a sum of thirty pieces of silver—the agreement was swiftly reached. The Sanhedrin departed with a sense of accomplishment in their plotted scheme, while Judas, summoning all the forces of darkness, began to contemplate how to achieve his treacherous intentions."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The high priests and the traitor conspired to set a price, yet they lacked clarity regarding the specific moment or method of the betrayal. Judas committed only to taking advantage of the first chance to hand over the Master discreetly, avoiding any public commotion that might alert His devoted followers. The ungrateful apostle, consumed by his greed for silver, failed to comprehend the grave implications of his betrayal and did not recognize that he was disloyal to the innocent blood of the Master (Matthew 27:4), for which he would ultimately pay with his life and endure immense and perpetual sorrow (Matthew 26:24). The irreversible choice was made, and the unjust payment accepted; the traitor was irresistibly drawn into the depths of sin, compelled by the forces of darkness and his own wicked desires, seeking from that moment on a suitable opportunity to betray the Lord."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the account recorded by Matthew, during the meal at Simon the leper's home, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, approached the chief priests to offer them his assistance in betraying Jesus. It is quite likely that this gathering of the Sanhedrin, which sought to seize Jesus through treachery, coincided with Judas's visit. It is also possible that Judas had previous interactions with certain members of the Sanhedrin regarding Jesus' betrayal and was aware of when they convened, thus coming forward to present his offer. The Sanhedrin members, naturally, were quite pleased with his proposal; however, they compensated him for his actions with only thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave, which demonstrated their utter disdain for Jesus."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"We must now examine the sinister actions against which the Savior warned the Jewish people—the malevolent gatherings of the Jews aimed at Jesus. Our primary focus should be on the disciple who became the channel for these wicked plans. What drove this tragic disciple to denounce his Lord to the Jews for sacrifice? This question is complex and challenging to answer. How could a disciple, one of the chosen apostles, who daily witnessed the divine presence in Jesus, who observed the manifestations of His miraculous power, and who had numerous experiences of His profound love, choose such a grave act of betrayal? It is likely that he initially joined the ranks of the disciples with no intention of treachery, but rather with the same earnestness as the other apostles. The Lord must have seen potential in him to be worthy of apostolic dignity; otherwise, he would not have been included in such close fellowship or treated like the other apostles. \\n\\nThis does not rule out the possibility that Judas possessed both virtuous and sinful inclinations. The Lord undoubtedly recognized in Judas both the nascent goodness and the seeds of malevolence; the internal conflict between these opposing forces had yet to be resolved, and there was hope that goodness would triumph over evil. What drove Judas's betrayal? Historically, one logically turns to his love of money; the Evangelist John notes that Judas carried a money box intended for the disciples’ communal funds, yet he was unfaithful in managing it, using its contents for his personal gain. This aligns with accounts from the first three Evangelists, who report that Judas conspired to hand over his Master to the Sanhedrin for a specified sum of money. \\n\\nSuch observations might lead us to conclude that Judas's greed had grown to such proportions that he would commit this atrocity to fulfill it. However, this notion is difficult to reconcile. If Judas's self-serving greed dominated him completely, it seems implausible that the Lord would have accepted him as a disciple. Given the Lord's deep insight into the hearts of men and His ability to utilize each individual for their greatest purpose, how could He have placed a man so driven by greed in charge of the treasury? If Judas's motivations were solely for monetary gain, it raises questions as to why he would settle for a meager thirty pieces of silver. One could argue that the Sanhedrin, intent on seizing Jesus prior to the Passover, would not have been stingy if Judas had demanded a higher price. Perhaps the Sanhedrin was frugal due to other plans for apprehending the Lord, or perhaps they believed that Jesus would not seek to rally a defense from the crowd. Regardless, it seems implausible that such a small sum could have been the sole motivation for Judas's actions. \\n\\nIt must also be considered that a man who had enjoyed intimate proximity to Jesus and had, at least for a period, recognized Him as the Messiah would have had a profoundly different internal relationship with Him than he had previously or than the other disciples did. Hence, it appears likely that the love of money was not the principal reason for the betrayal. Did Judas foresee the resulting consequences of his actions? His tragic end and remorse upon witnessing Jesus condemned suggest that he may not have anticipated the outcome. It is theorized that Judas wished to expedite the situation; by placing Jesus in peril, he might have hoped to force a revelation of His kingship or demonstrate divine power to overcome obstacles. When events unfolded contrary to his intentions, and observing that the one he once devotedly followed was condemned, his despair must have solidified. Such actions cannot be justified, for immoral means do not sanctify the end. And how can the works of God be treated so unjustly?\\n\\nIf Judas intended to follow such reasoning, however misguided, it seems unlikely the Lord would have allowed him to be consumed by such delusions. Furthermore, if this were the case, it is perplexing that the Lord would have offered Judas words that could be interpreted as approval, essentially telling him to act as he planned. It seems reasonable to suppose that Judas, like his fellow apostles, approached the Lord with worldly aspirations and earthly hopes. However, when these expectations were unmet, he grew indifferent to the cause he had once ardently embraced. A year before His death, during a well-known conversation in the synagogue at Capernaum, when many deserted Him, the Lord pointed out that a devil was among them, referring to Judas. Peter, too, received a rebuke: “Follow me, Satan; you do not set your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Matthew 16:23). Yet, while Peter's heart was open to repentance, Judas's heart had grown cold. Detached from Jesus, tethered only by worldly interests, Judas had long ceased to be a true disciple, waiting only for an opportunity to turn away. The Lord tolerated his presence, partly to influence his soul, and partly because He foresaw the significance of Judas's fate (Jesus knew from the beginning who was the one who would betray him; John 6:64). \\n\\nWe now turn to the critical moments of the Lord’s final days of ministry. As the resurrection of Lazarus drew the people's attention, the Sanhedrin's determination to eliminate Jesus became even more pronounced. They deliberated on the method of His destruction, assessing the circumstances surrounding His movements. It remained uncertain whether He would arrive in Jerusalem. In an unexpected turn, Jesus not only made a public appearance in Jerusalem in spite of threats, but He entered with unprecedented triumph. The Pharisees, realizing their plans were unraveling, lamented, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19). They began scheming to entrap Jesus and kill Him by deceit (Matthew 26:4), unsure whether this would be executed by a hidden traitor or through a premeditated scheme to apprehend Him in an ignoble manner under the guise of legality. Ultimately, it was decided that the deed would be done not during the feast, but either before or after it, with the preference leaning toward before. At this crucial moment, Judas Iscariot, one of the Lord's chosen disciples, stepped forward to offer his services (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6). A price was agreed upon, and he vowed to deliver his Teacher and Lord into their hands."}]}
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