The Betrayal

Judas had already negotiated his deal and agreed to turn Jesus over with a kiss, in return for 30 pieces of silver. This reward is symbolic; it represents the price of a slave at that time. It is also equivalent to three months' wages.

Judas arrived at the Garden with a band of armed soldiers. Jesus asked who they were searching for, and they told Him, "Jesus, the Nazarene." He responded, "I am He." Jesus said this in a sorrowful way and was then betrayed by the kiss of Judas Iscariot.

As they began to bind Him with ropes, Peter took his sword and cut off part of the ear of one of the Roman soldiers. Jesus ordered Peter to put down the weapon. He touched the servant's ear and cured Him. This was Jesus' final miracle on earth.

As He was led away, Jesus experienced a great sorrow, being taken from His disciples. The Jews expected the Messiah to become a king and to establish His own kingdom. He told them very clearly, "My kingdom is not of this world."

Nevertheless, the platoon of 100 Roman guards was armed with swords, clubs and ropes expecting an uprising from His followers. Jesus was betrayed by Judas around 10 PM. From the Garden of Gethsemane, He was led off in the cold night air, bound and guarded like a criminal.

Please take a moment to lift the bag of silver and imagine betraying your best friend and the One who has shown you to be the Savior of the world. How many times have each of us traded our Savior for something of the world that had a value as little as 30 pieces of silver?