The Plot to Kill Jesus and Judas' Betrayal (Luke 22:1-6)
Introduction
As Jesus’ earthly ministry reaches its final days, opposition against him intensifies. The religious leaders, long frustrated by his teachings and influence, actively seek a way to eliminate him. But with Jesus’ popularity among the people, an open arrest could trigger a riot. Enter Judas Iscariot—one of the Twelve, yet willing to betray the Lord for a price. Luke 22:1-6 details the sinister alliance between Judas and the chief priests, setting in motion the events that lead to the crucifixion.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 22:1-6 and Commentary
Luke 22:1
"Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near."
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, also called the Passover, approaches
Passover, the most significant Jewish festival, commemorates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). It is a time of national remembrance, sacrifice, and expectation. Jerusalem overflows with pilgrims from all over, creating an atmosphere of heightened religious fervor. Many anticipate the coming of the Messiah, though their expectations lean more political than spiritual. In this charged environment, the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities reaches its peak. His impending betrayal and crucifixion align perfectly with the feast that symbolizes God’s act of salvation. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), stands ready to be sacrificed via crucifixion.
The connection between Jesus and the Passover runs throughout Luke’s Gospel. At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah speak of Jesus’ “departure” (literally “exodus”) that he is about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). His mission brings about a new deliverance—freeing people from sin and death rather than Egyptian oppression. Paul later captures this in Ephesians 1:7, emphasizing redemption through Jesus’ blood. As the Passover unfolds, its true fulfillment comes to life.
Luke 22:2
"The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people."
The religious leaders’ desire to kill Jesus wasn’t new (Luke 19:47), but their problem was the crowd. Jesus was popular, and a public arrest could spark a riot. Their fear of the people highlights their hypocrisy—they claimed to act in service to God, but their primary concern was maintaining power and influence. Instead of leading in righteousness, they sought to eliminate a perceived threat.
Fear is a major theme in Scripture, often contrasted with faith. Proverbs 29:25 states, "The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure." The chief priests and scribes feared losing control more than they feared dishonoring God. Their actions reflect the warning in 1 John 2:9-11 about walking in darkness while claiming to be in the light. By plotting in secret, they revealed their spiritual blindness.
Luke 22:3
"Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve."
Luke makes it clear that Judas’ betrayal had a spiritual dimension. Satan, who had previously tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13), now found a willing participant in Judas. This is not to say that Judas had no choice—rather, he opened himself to the devil’s influence. His love of money (John 12:6) and disillusionment with Jesus' mission made him susceptible.
Paul warns in Ephesians 4:27 not to "give the devil a foothold," which is exactly what Judas did. He did not resist the devil (James 4:7) but allowed greed and discontent to take root. Philippians 2:3-4 speaks of humility and looking to the interests of others—qualities Judas lacked as he prioritized his own gain over loyalty to Jesus. This verse is a stark reminder that proximity to Christ does not guarantee faithfulness.
Luke 22:4
"He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them."
Unlike Matthew’s account (Matthew 26:14-16), which records Judas asking for payment, Luke emphasizes his initiative. He sought them out, not the other way around. His willingness to collaborate with Jesus’ enemies shows a hardened heart. The temple police, responsible for maintaining order in the Temple, would ensure a discreet arrest.
Judas’ betrayal stands in contrast to Jesus’ obedience. Where Judas sought to gain through treachery, Jesus would soon pray, "Not my will but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). His actions also reflect Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Judas had walked with Jesus for years, witnessed his miracles, and yet, in the end, chose personal gain over divine truth.
Luke 22:5
"They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money."
The religious leaders had struggled to find a way to arrest Jesus without inciting the people, and now they had a solution. Judas’ offer delighted them because it removed their biggest obstacle—the crowd. Matthew 26:15 specifies that the price was thirty pieces of silver, (30 Tyrion Shekels) fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13, which describes a shepherd being valued at this amount and the money being thrown into the house of the Lord.
This moment underscores the tragic irony of Judas’ decision. In contrast to Mary’s anointing of Jesus with costly perfume (John 12:3-8), which showed devotion, Judas' price was meager. He traded the Son of God for a slave’s wage (Exodus 21:32). Paul’s words in Philippians 3:19 about those "whose god is their belly" describe those like Judas, who prioritize earthly gain over eternal worth.
Luke 22:6
"So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present."
Judas was not impulsive—he actively sought the right moment. His betrayal was methodical and intentional. This reflects the warning in James 1:14-15 that sin begins with desire, then gives birth to action, and ultimately leads to death. Judas’ downfall didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of unchecked greed, disappointment, and spiritual compromise.
His actions stand in contrast to Jesus’ teachings on faithfulness. In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, "Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much." Judas had been unfaithful in small things (stealing from the money bag), and now it culminated in ultimate betrayal. His choices remind us of the importance of guarding our hearts against sin (Proverbs 4:23)
Luke 22:1-6 Meaning for Today
Judas' betrayal stands as a tragic warning. Here was a man who walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His teachings—yet he chose money over the Messiah. His story reminds us that proximity to Jesus isn’t the same as faithfulness.
Likewise, the chief priests and scribes demonstrate the dangers of hardened hearts. They had every opportunity to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, yet their fear and jealousy blinded them. Are there areas in our lives where we resist Jesus because he challenges our control?
And then there’s Satan’s role. He didn’t force Judas to betray Jesus—he simply found someone willing. This passage calls us to be vigilant against small compromises that open the door to greater failures.
FAQ
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
The Gospels suggest multiple reasons: greed (Matthew 26:14-16), disillusionment (perhaps he expected a political Messiah), and spiritual influence (Luke 22:3 says Satan entered him). Ultimately, Judas chose to betray Jesus, though prophecy foretold his actions (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13).
How did Judas betray Jesus?
Judas conspired with the chief priests to hand Jesus over in a quiet setting. Later, in Gethsemane, he identified Jesus to the authorities with a kiss (Luke 22:47-48).
What happened to Judas after betraying Jesus?
Matthew 27:3-5 records that Judas, filled with remorse, tried to return the money but was rejected. He then hanged himself. Acts 1:18-19 adds that he fell headlong and burst open, emphasizing the gruesome consequences of his betrayal.
Did Judas have a choice, or was he predestined to betray Jesus?
Judas' betrayal fulfilled prophecy, but he wasn’t a puppet. Jesus treated him as a friend and gave him opportunities to repent. God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in this tragic event.
Could Judas have been forgiven?
If Judas had truly repented, God’s mercy was available. Peter also betrayed Jesus by denying him, yet he repented and was restored. Judas, overcome with despair, took his own life instead of seeking redemption. This is a hard thing - by taking his life he shortened the timespan during which he could have been restored.
Final Thoughts
Luke 22:1-6 reveals a web of fear, ambition, and betrayal—but it also reminds us of God’s sovereign plan. Even in the darkest moments, Jesus was in control. His path to the cross wasn’t a tragic accident; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemption story. May we learn from the failures of Judas and the religious leaders, choosing instead to walk faithfully with Christ.
