Related commentaries – Betrayal

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus – Luke 22:1 – 22:13

Judas is the Symbol of Betrayal and Treason

When the Romans wanted to capture Jesus they paid one of his trusted followers to betray him. Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ disciples. The Romans arranged for a signal from Judas. He would identify Jesus by kissing him in the Garden of Gethsemane. In return for this betrayal, Judas was paid thirty pieces of silver. Judas is thus the symbol of betrayal and treason, and the “thirty pieces of silver” has become another way of saying “blood money.” An act of betrayal has come to be known as a “Judas kiss.” Similarly, a “Judas goat” is the animal that leads a flock to the slaughter house. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #13087).