Luke 22:5 – “They were delighted and agreed to give him money.”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows the reaction of the chief priests and religious leaders when Judas Iscariot offered to betray Jesus. Their response wasn’t neutral or hesitant—they were “delighted.” For them, Judas’s offer was the answer to a problem they had been trying to solve for a while. Jesus had become a significant threat to their authority, and they needed a way to arrest Him without causing an uproar among the people.
The agreement to pay Judas for his betrayal highlights a sad truth: Jesus was being sold out for money. Judas’s motives may have been mixed—possibly driven by greed, disappointment with Jesus, or even disillusionment—but the religious leaders were more than willing to exploit Judas’s weakness to achieve their goal. This verse underscores the dark combination of greed, betrayal, and spiritual blindness at work.
Historical Context
At the time of Jesus, the Jewish religious leaders had great influence over the people, but they were also under pressure from the Roman authorities to maintain order. Jesus had become popular with the crowds because of His miracles, teachings, and challenges to the religious establishment. The leaders viewed Him as a dangerous threat who could disrupt the status quo and potentially bring down the wrath of the Romans if an uprising occurred during the crowded Passover festival.
Judas’s betrayal solved a practical problem for them. They wanted to arrest Jesus without drawing public attention, and Judas could give them inside information on where and when they could capture Him quietly. In return, they agreed to pay him money, which Matthew 26:15 specifies as thirty pieces of silver. This amount, while significant, wasn’t extravagant. It was roughly the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), showing how cheaply Jesus’ life was valued by those who sought His death.
Theological Implications
This verse exposes how sin corrupts human motives and blinds people to the truth. The religious leaders believed they were acting to protect their nation and religious system, but in reality, they were opposing God’s plan and rejecting their promised Messiah. Their delight in Judas’s betrayal shows the hardness of their hearts—they were more concerned with maintaining their power than recognizing the truth of who Jesus was.
Judas’s decision to betray Jesus for money also serves as a warning about the danger of loving material wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” For Judas, the love of money contributed to his downfall and betrayal of the Son of God. His choice reveals how easily sin can take hold when people prioritize earthly gain over spiritual truth.
However, this verse also highlights God’s sovereignty. Even though the religious leaders and Judas were acting out of sinful motives, God was using their actions to accomplish His greater plan of salvation. Jesus’ death on the cross was not a tragic accident but part of God’s purpose to redeem humanity.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of the word “delighted” is important here. It shows the emotional response of the religious leaders, emphasizing their eagerness to act against Jesus. This word choice contrasts sharply with the seriousness of what they were agreeing to—betraying and killing an innocent man.
The brief mention of “money” also carries significant weight. Throughout the Gospels, money often serves as a symbol of misplaced priorities and spiritual danger. Judas’s willingness to betray Jesus for financial gain reflects this theme. Luke’s concise phrasing builds tension, showing that the pieces of the betrayal were quickly falling into place.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 26:14-16 – Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
- Zechariah 11:12-13 – A prophecy about the thirty pieces of silver, which was fulfilled when Judas later threw the money back into the temple.
- Exodus 21:32 – The price of a slave, symbolically linked to the amount paid for Jesus.
- 1 Timothy 6:10 – A warning about the dangers of loving money, which can lead to spiritual ruin.
- Psalm 2:1-4 – A prophetic description of how human leaders plot against the Lord and His anointed, but God’s plans prevail.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse serves as a reminder that misplaced priorities can lead to devastating consequences. Judas’s love of money blinded him to the truth about Jesus, and the religious leaders’ obsession with protecting their authority caused them to reject the very Messiah they had been waiting for. For Christians, this verse warns against allowing earthly desires, whether for money, power, or approval, to overshadow faithfulness to God.
It also highlights the reality that sin often starts small but can quickly grow when left unchecked. Judas may not have intended to betray Jesus when he first became His disciple, but over time, greed and disillusionment hardened his heart. Christians today are called to guard against sin and regularly examine their motives to ensure they align with God’s will.
Finally, this verse is a call to trust in God’s sovereignty. Even when human sin seems to be in control, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. The betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus were part of God’s plan to redeem the world through His Son.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Despite the human betrayal and sin described in this verse, God’s love remains constant. He did not abandon His plan for salvation or turn His back on humanity. Instead, He allowed Jesus to endure betrayal and death so that people could be forgiven and reconciled to Him.
God’s love is also shown in how He patiently gives people the chance to repent. Judas’s story is a tragic example of someone who rejected that opportunity, but it serves as a warning and an invitation for others to turn back to God before it’s too late.
Even the religious leaders, who plotted to kill Jesus, were not beyond the reach of God’s love. After Jesus’ resurrection, many people—including some priests—came to faith in Him (Acts 6:7). This demonstrates that God’s mercy is available to all, even to those who initially oppose Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Judas’s betrayal and the religious leaders’ plot were not random events—they were part of God’s plan to bring salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him (John 6:70-71) and even predicted it at the Last Supper (Luke 22:21-22). Yet, He willingly went to the cross because He understood that His death was necessary for the forgiveness of sin.
The money paid to Judas also connects to Old Testament prophecy. Zechariah 11:12-13 describes a situation where thirty pieces of silver were thrown into the house of the Lord, a prophecy that was fulfilled when Judas, in regret, returned the money to the temple.
Jesus’ willingness to endure betrayal shows His sacrificial love. He didn’t avoid the pain of human rejection but faced it head-on so that humanity could be saved. His obedience to the Father, even in the face of betrayal, is a model for believers today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Judas’s decision to betray Jesus for money reveal about the dangers of misplaced priorities?
- How can we guard our hearts against the love of money or other worldly desires that can lead us away from God?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of examining our motives and actions regularly?
- How does God’s ability to use Judas’s betrayal for good encourage you to trust Him, even in difficult situations?
- How can Jesus’ response to betrayal inspire you to show grace and forgiveness to others?
This verse highlights the seriousness of sin, but it also points to the greater truth that God’s love and plan for salvation cannot be stopped. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, even the darkest moments of betrayal can be redeemed for His glory.