The Betrayal of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Passion of Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:14-50, Mark 14:10-46, Luke 22:3-48, and John 18:2-5. It is characterized by Judas Iscariot's treacherous act of handing Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, leading to His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

Judas Iscariot's Role

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, plays the central role in the betrayal. Motivated by greed and possibly disillusionment, Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as prophesied in Zechariah 11:12-13. Matthew 26:14-16 states, "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver."

The Last Supper

During the Last Supper, Jesus foretells His betrayal, creating a somber atmosphere among the disciples. In Matthew 26:21-25 , Jesus reveals, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me." Despite the disciples' distress and questioning, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer, saying, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me."

The Garden of Gethsemane

The betrayal reaches its climax in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Jesus spends time in prayer, Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. Judas had given them a prearranged signal: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him" (Matthew 26:48). Approaching Jesus, Judas greets Him with a kiss, a gesture of friendship turned into an act of treachery.

Jesus' Arrest

Following the kiss, Jesus is arrested. Despite the betrayal, Jesus remains composed and addresses Judas with the words, "Friend, do what you came for" (Matthew 26:50). This response highlights Jesus' foreknowledge and acceptance of His path to the cross. The arrest is marked by Peter's attempt to defend Jesus by striking the servant of the high priest, an act Jesus rebukes, emphasizing His submission to the Father's will.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The betrayal of Jesus fulfills several Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the divine plan of salvation. Psalm 41:9 foreshadows this event: "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Additionally, the thirty pieces of silver echo the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13, further affirming the scriptural foundation of the betrayal.

Theological Significance

The betrayal of Jesus is a profound moment that reveals the depths of human sin and the boundless grace of God. It sets in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, where Jesus' sacrificial death provides atonement for humanity's sins. Judas' betrayal serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within the human heart, even among those closest to Jesus. Yet, it also highlights the sovereignty of God, who uses even acts of betrayal to accomplish His redemptive purposes.