3. THE WITH JUDAS Mark 14:10-11 (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6) 10 And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests,--The high priests. The ruling man of the Sanhedrin. Luke (Luke 22:4) says he went also to the captains. On account of the great wealth deposited there, and its great sacredness, it was necessary to guard the temple by night. Accordingly men were stationed around it, whose leaders or commanders were called captains. (Acts 4:1.) that he might deliver him unto them.--Treacherously, of course. A comparison of all the accounts will show that when his avarice was thus disappointed he went at the first opportunity to the priests. Jesus was about to be put to death, he had not been permitted to enrich himself, there was now no probability that he would become the treasurer of his Master as an earthly king. Probably he had heard it rumored that the chief priests desired to put him to death and their purpose to "take Jesus by subtlety." (Verse 4.) If so, he felt he could make a profitable agreement with the enemy. 11 And they, when they heard it, were glad,--The chief priests and captains. His proposition was an unexpected one, so it was received with joy. and promised to give him money.--Matthew says: "Thirty pieces of silver." That is, the price of a slave. (Exodus 21:32.) They did not pay him then probably for fear he would deceive them. When the wicked deed was committed, and before he was sensible of its guilt, they paid him. (Matthew 27:3; Acts 1:18.) Each piece of silver amounted to about fifty cents, the whole sum being about fifteen dollars. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him unto them.--Matthew says: "From that time he sought opportunity to deliver him." He sought a convenient time when he thought it would be safe both to himself and them. "In the absence of the multitude." (Luke 22:6.) The popular commotion was what both parties desired to avoid. (Verse 2.) So far as I know, Judas had no particular malice, spite, or ill will against Jesus, but a base and unworthy spirit of covetousness possessed him, and this made him sell Jesus. Covetousness is the root sin. An eager and insatiable thirst after the world is the parent of the most monstrous sins.