The Betrayal of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, in which Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of his twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot. This betrayal eventually led to Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. The event occurred around 30-33 AD, during the time of the Last Supper, a Passover meal that Jesus shared with his apostles. Notable people involved in the event include Jesus, Judas Iscariot, and the chief priests and elders.
Background to The Betrayal of Jesus
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to follow him and assist in his ministry. Little is known about Judas’ early life, but he is often identified as the son of a man named Simon Iscariot. Judas was the treasurer of the group and was responsible for managing their finances. However, he was also known to be dishonest and would sometimes steal from the funds (John 12:6).
Biblical Timeline
The Last Supper
During the Last Supper, Jesus predicted that one of his apostles would betray him (Matthew 26:21; Mark 14:18; Luke 22:21; John 13:21). He also identified Judas as the one who would do so (John 13:26-27). According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas asked Jesus if he was the one who would betray him, to which Jesus responded, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:25).
The Agreement with the Chief Priests
Judas made an agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6). He then sought an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the authorities without causing a public disturbance, as the religious leaders feared the people’s reaction (Matthew 26:4-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2).
The Garden of Gethsemane
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his apostles went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and pray with him, but they fell asleep (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). It was during this time that Judas arrived with a crowd of armed men sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47; John 18:2-3).
The Betrayal
Judas had arranged a signal with the authorities, indicating that the one he kissed would be Jesus (Matthew 26:48-49; Mark 14:44-45; Luke 22:47). Upon reaching Jesus, Judas kissed him, thereby betraying him to the arresting officers. Jesus was then arrested and taken to face trial before the religious authorities (Matthew 26:50-57; Mark 14:46-53; Luke 22:48-54; John 18:12-13).