Chapter 27 — JESUS IS BETRAYED

I [Ellen White} was shown Jesus when He ate the Passover supper with His disciples. Satan had made Judas think he [Judas] was one of Jesus' true disciples. But Judas' heart had always been sinful. Judas had seen the mighty works Jesus did and had been with Jesus throughout much of His ministry. Judas accepted the strong proof that Jesus was the Messiah. But Judas was greedy and jealous. He loved money. At Simon's feast, Judas angrily complained about the expensive perfume Mary poured on Jesus' feet.SRme 1.912

Mary loved Jesus. Jesus had forgiven Mary's many sins and had raised her dearly-loved brother, Lazarus, from the dead. Mary felt that nothing was too expensive to give Jesus. Mary thought that the more precious the perfume she used, the better she could express her thankfulness to Jesus.SRme 1.913

Judas found an excuse for his selfish greed. He said that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Judas did not care about the poor. He was selfish and took money for himself that was supposed to be given to the poor. Judas never had been much concerned about Jesus' comfort and needs. Judas often tried to excuse his own selfishness by saying that money should be given to the poor.SRme 1.914

Mary's generous act strongly rebuked the greedy character of Judas. Mary's act prepared the way for Judas to welcome Satan's temptation.SRme 1.915

The Jewish priests and rulers hated Jesus. But the people crowded around Jesus, listening to His words. The people witnessed Jesus' mighty works. The people were deeply interested. They followed Jesus everywhere, eager to hear His wonderful teachings. Many rulers believed Jesus, but they were afraid to let anyone know. These rulers feared that they might be put out of the synagogue.SRme 1.916

The priests and rulers decided something must be done to take the people's attention away from Jesus. They were afraid everyone would believe Jesus. The priests and elders were afraid they would lose their positions and influence no matter what they did. They felt they had to kill Jesus or lose their place as leaders. But if they killed Jesus, there still would be people who would testify of His power.SRme 1.917

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Large crowds kept coming to see Lazarus, the man whom Jesus had given life. The leaders were afraid that if they killed Jesus, Lazarus would tell about Jesus' mighty power. The leaders determined to kill Lazarus and Jesus. If Lazarus and Jesus were both dead the excitement would stop. With Jesus and Lazarus both dead, the leaders hoped that once again they would have influence over the people. The leaders hoped the people would again follow the teachings and laws handed down by their fathers.SRme 1.918

The rulers agreed to take Jesus prisoner when He was alone. The rulers knew that if they took Jesus when He was with a crowd of interested listeners, the listeners would stone them.SRme 1.919

Judas knew how eager the leaders were to capture Jesus. Judas offered to sell Jesus to the chief priests for a few pieces of silver. Judas' love of money led him to agree to sell his Lord.SRme 1.920

Satan worked directly through Judas. During the last supper Judas was making plans to sell his Lord. Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples they would turn away from Him that very night. Simon Peter said that if all the other disciples should leave Jesus, he would never leave Jesus.SRme 1.921

Jesus said to Peter, "'Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to Me, you must strengthen your brothers'" (Luke 22:31, 32).SRme 1.922