And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.
Luke 22:4

What do you think? Is Satan a force or a being that can enter a person and take control of their actions? Was Judas not really responsible for betraying Jesus? I believe Judas may have been powerless to prevent Satan from tempting him as was Jesus when having been tempted in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting. I do not believe that Judas was powerless in his response to do Satan’s bidding. Like Jesus, he could have said, “Get behind me, Satan!”

Judas courted trouble/disaster when he went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard. He chose to go. Judas did not go to them just to inquire how things were going at the Temple. Judas courted trouble/disaster when He chose to go and then when he discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

Judas may not have known the amount of “blood money” to expect from turning Jesus over to them, but the figure must have been agreeable with him. The chief priests and the officers of the temple guard were delighted. Judas consented to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Inasmuch as we know Judas was remorseful for what he did, I believe he allowed that evil thought to fester within him and he may have explored that possibility, “what if?” I believe that there were two options open to him. He made a poor choice for he courted disaster by going to them and discussing with them what he knew they desperately wanted. He made his decision. He chose to betray Jesus.

Judas just needed to find an opportune time when Jesus would not be surrounded by His many followers. As an insider, one of the Twelve, he would have some privileged information as to when this vile deed could be done. Once Jesus was arrested, Judas would be paid for his service of disloyalty.

Prayer

 Most Holy God, we, like Jesus and Judas, are not immune to being tempted. Often, we are face with choosing between good and evil. Give us strength to resist temptations. Guard us from courting trouble that could lead us to choose evil. Help us to choose “the good.” In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.