Luke 22:3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
There is much speculation about what was going on in Judas’s mind around this time. Some speculate that he was trying to force Jesus’s hand so that Jesus’s political power and glory could finally be seen. Maybe he finally realized that Jesus wasn’t the political power he thought he would be and he felt betrayed by his allegiance. I’m willing to bet pride played a role in some—probably large—capacity, regardless.
Luke 22:4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.
Humans are ridiculously prideful creatures. My own pride is often cloaked in bitterness and anger—I thought I was more important than that. I thought I was more respected than that. I thought I was more loved than that. How could I be treated this way?!?—But Jesus knows even this about us and says in verse 32, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money.
Precious Savior, Forgive me for my prideful attitude, which often lashes out as anger and bitterness. Help me in this struggle. I want to lay my wounded, exhausted pride at Your feet and leave it there, divorced entirely from myself. Help me, and allow me to “strengthen my brothers” along this journey as well. Amen.
Luke 22:6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Have a blessed day.