Chapter 7—The Betrayal of Christ
I was then carried down to the time when Jesus ate the passover
supper with his disciples. Satan had deceived Judas, and led him to
think he was one of Christ’s true disciples; but his heart had ever been
carnal. He had seen the mighty works of Jesus, he had been with him
through his ministry, and yielded to the overpowering evidences that he
was the Messiah; but he was close and covetous. He loved money. He
complained in anger of the costly ointment poured upon Jesus. Mary
loved her Lord. He had forgiven her sins which were many, and had
raised from the dead her much loved brother, and she felt that nothing
was too dear to bestow upon Jesus. The more costly and precious the
ointment, the better could Mary express her gratitude to her Saviour,
by devoting it to him. Judas, as an excuse for his covetousness, said
that the ointment might have been sold and given to the poor. But it
was not because he had any care for the poor; for he was selfish, and
often appropriated to his own use that which was entrusted to his care
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to be given to the poor. Judas had not been attentive to the comforts
and wants of Jesus, and to excuse his covetousness, he often referred
to the poor. And this act of generosity on the part of Mary was a most
cutting rebuke of his covetous disposition.
The way was prepared for the temptation of Satan to find a ready re-
ception in Judas’ heart. The Jews hated Jesus; but multitudes thronged
him to listen to his words of wisdom, and to witness his mighty works.
This drew the attention of the people from the chief priests and elders,
for the people were stirred with the deepest interest, and anxiously fol-
lowed Jesus, and listened to the instructions of this wonderful teacher.
Many of the chief rulers believed on Jesus, but were afraid to confess
it, fearing they would be put out of the synagogue. The priests and
elders decided that something must be done to draw the attention of
the people from Jesus. They feared that all men would believe on
him. They could see no safety for themselves. They must lose their
position, or put Jesus to death. And after they should put him to death,
there were still those who were living monuments of his power. Jesus
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