The Beginning: As Passover approached, Jesus continued teaching in Jerusalem while public attention around him intensified. Israel’s chief priests and other leaders feared unrest and loss of control, especially during the crowded festival season. They began to seek a way to arrest Jesus quietly and remove him without provoking a riot.
The Middle: The leaders gathered to plan Jesus’ arrest and death, aiming to act “by stealth” and at a time that would minimize public reaction. In this context, Judas Iscariot—one of the Twelve—went to the chief priests and offered to hand Jesus over to them. They agreed to pay him money (specified in Matthew as thirty pieces of silver) and began looking for an opportunity to seize Jesus when he was away from the crowds.
The End: From that point, Judas watched for a suitable moment to betray Jesus. The leadership’s plot gained a direct insider path to Jesus’ movements and routines. The stage was set for Jesus’ arrest during the Passover period, leading into his trial and crucifixion.
This episode shows how human schemes and betrayal can be woven into God’s redemptive purpose without excusing the guilt of those involved. Jesus’ impending death is not portrayed as accidental; it moves toward the Passover setting where themes of sacrifice, deliverance, and covenant are central. The story highlights the mounting rejection of Jesus by many leaders even as God’s plan advances toward atonement and salvation through Christ’s suffering and death.
Passover drew large crowds to Jerusalem, and Roman authorities were alert to any disturbance. In that setting, Jewish leaders had strong political incentives to avoid public uproar, which helps explain their desire for a discreet arrest. “Thirty pieces of silver” echoes older biblical language of compensation and valuation (cf. Exodus 21:32), underscoring the grim irony of placing a price on Jesus.
“What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” — Matthew 26:15
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Why did the chief priests and other leaders want to arrest Jesus quietly during Passover?
2. What did Judas Iscariot offer to do when he went to the chief priests?