Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Comment: Who is to blame for the illegal trial, false statements and everything that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus? It was multi-factorial but here we see at least 3 people or groups involved. Although it is taking us a bit outside the copied Bible passage we might look at a few more.
- The chief priests and scribes are seen skulking around behind the scenes trying to work out a way that they can get Jesus killed without stirring up the crowd whom they consider might riot in Jesus’ defence for the crowd have seen Jesus in action and are impressed by what they’ve seen.
- Satan, does not know or understand the plan and mind of God but sees in Judas a tool that he can use to get the leaders plan off the ground.
- Judas, from a human point of view, probably upset because the Messiah, whom he had followed for 3 years, was not going to be the Roman overthrowing Messiah whom he wanted so badly.
- Pilot is going to be added to the mix of evil planners against Jesus.
- But we have to remember that God has been planning the sacrificial saving death of the Messiah, according to the Bible record, from before the foundation of the world. (Rev 13 v8) And Jesus said that no-one takes His life from Him, but rather He, Himself, is laying it down to save those who come, called by His Father, to follow Him.
This whole event is very complex. Foretold in the Old Testament; planned before creation; the ultimate responsibility for it accepted by God, Father and Son; And yet we see each participant in the decision-making responsible for the part they played.
Prayer: Help me to understand what I need to know to respond in an appropriate manner. I see that it’s not something to be treated lightly.
As I read it! 