LUKE 22:1–6, THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST JESUS
WHEN FEAR AND GREED CLOSE THE HEART TO GOD’S SALVATION
Introduction
As Jesus’ public ministry in Jerusalem reaches its climax, the narrative turns from teaching and exhortation to betrayal and plotting. The feast of Passover, which celebrates God’s saving act of liberation, becomes the setting for humanity’s darkest decision: the rejection of God’s own Son. While Jesus prepares to offer himself freely, the religious leaders scheme in fear, and one of the Twelve allows his heart to be overtaken by evil. This passage reveals how salvation history moves forward even through human sin, and it warns us of the subtle ways fear, ambition, and greed can open the door to betrayal.
Bible Passage (Luke 22:1–6)
Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand him over to them in the absence of a crowd.
Background
This passage introduces the Passion narrative. The timing is crucial. Passover commemorates Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the lamb. As pilgrims gather in Jerusalem to remember God’s saving power, the true Lamb of God is being prepared for sacrifice. The religious authorities have already decided that Jesus must die, but their fear of public reaction restrains them. Into this tense situation steps Judas Iscariot, whose inner conflict becomes the means by which their plan advances. What unfolds is not accidental but part of God’s mysterious plan of redemption, foretold in Scripture.
Opening Life Connection
Betrayal rarely begins with a dramatic decision. It often starts quietly—with disappointment, wounded pride, fear of losing control, or attachment to material gain. Many people who fall into grave sin never intended to do so; they slowly stop resisting what they know is wrong. This Gospel invites us to examine the hidden movements of our own hearts and to ask how we respond when faith becomes costly or inconvenient.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
Luke begins by noting that the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near. The feast that remembers freedom from oppression now frames a new act of bondage—humanity’s captivity to sin. God’s saving plan is advancing, even while human agents act with destructive intent.
The evangelist reveals the inner motive of the leaders: they were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they were afraid of the people. Their authority is driven not by truth or justice, but by fear of losing influence. Fear becomes the soil in which violence grows.
The narrative then turns inward: Satan entered into Judas. This does not mean Judas was forced. Rather, it reveals that Judas allowed space in his heart for temptation. Evil enters where vigilance and trust in God weaken. The tragedy is sharpened by the reminder that Judas was counted among the Twelve—chosen, trusted, and close to Jesus.
Judas went to the chief priests and temple guards. He initiates the contact. Betrayal becomes active cooperation with those opposed to God’s work. The response is chilling: they were pleased. When sin finds opportunity, it is quickly embraced.
They agreed to pay him money, reducing a relationship with Jesus to a transaction. Judas accepted their offer, revealing how greed and disappointment can eclipse love. From that moment, he sought a favorable opportunity—a betrayal planned carefully, avoiding the crowd, avoiding witnesses, avoiding resistance. Sin prefers darkness and secrecy.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Passover was the most sacred feast in Judaism, recalling God’s mighty act of salvation. Killing Jesus during this feast was deeply ironic: while Israel remembered deliverance through the blood of the lamb, its leaders rejected the true Lamb sent by God. Betrayal for money echoed Old Testament patterns, where prophets were rejected and sold. Judas’ action stands within Israel’s history of resisting God’s messengers, yet it also fulfills Scripture in God’s providential plan.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that Judas’ betrayal was a real moral failure, rooted in free will, not destiny. Satan’s influence does not remove human responsibility. At the same time, God’s mercy and sovereignty are not defeated by human sin. The Catechism teaches that God permits evil only to bring about a greater good. Christ’s Passion, brought about through betrayal, becomes the source of salvation for the world. This passage also warns believers that proximity to Jesus does not replace the need for continual conversion.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Peter also failed during the Passion, denying Jesus three times. Yet unlike Judas, Peter wept, repented, and returned to the Lord. The contrast shows that failure itself does not destroy discipleship; despair does. Peter trusted in mercy, while Judas surrendered to guilt. The difference between salvation and ruin often lies in whether one turns back to Christ after falling.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges us to examine our own loyalties. Do fear of others, desire for comfort, or attachment to money influence our faithfulness? Are there moments when we “hand over” Christ—by silence, compromise, or selfish choices—because it feels safer or more profitable? Lent and Holy Week invite us to renew vigilance of heart, to resist subtle temptations, and to choose fidelity even when discipleship demands sacrifice.
Eucharistic Connection
Soon after this passage, Jesus will institute the Eucharist, offering his body and blood—even to Judas. The same Lord who is betrayed continues to give himself. In every Mass, we approach the altar aware of our weakness, yet trusting in Christ’s mercy. The Eucharist strengthens us to resist betrayal and to remain faithful when temptation arises.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Guard your heart against fear, greed, and hidden resentment.
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Repent of any compromise that places personal interest above fidelity to Christ.
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Remain vigilant, knowing that closeness to Jesus requires continual conversion.
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Trust in God’s mercy rather than surrendering to guilt or despair after failure.
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Make a concrete resolution to choose faithfulness over convenience in daily life.
Outline for Preachers
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Background within the Gospel: beginning of the Passion narrative at Passover
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Life connection: gradual steps toward betrayal in everyday life
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Key verses and phrases explained: seeking a way to put him to death, afraid of the people, Satan entered into Judas, agreed to pay him money
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Jewish historical and religious context: Passover symbolism, betrayal motifs
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Catholic teaching and tradition: free will, sin, God’s providence, mercy
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Saintly or historical illustration: contrast between Judas and Peter
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Application to life today: fear, compromise, and fidelity
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Eucharistic connection: Christ’s self-gift despite betrayal
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Key messages and call to conversion
