Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:11

"And they, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him [unto them]." — Mark 14:11 (ASV)

These verses are connected with vv.1–2. The chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for “some sly way to arrest Jesus” (v.1), and Judas “watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” Judas is identified specifically as “one of the Twelve.” He had all the advantages of being in the inner circle, yet he betrayed Jesus. Spiritual privilege in itself is not enough for salvation. There must be the response of faith and love.

Judas’s offer to betray Jesus was readily accepted by the chief priests and teachers of the law because, being on the inside, he could choose the most opportune time to hand Jesus over to them. In that way they could avoid what they feared most, a riot of the people. It was undoubtedly the offer of Judas that changed their minds about not arresting Jesus during the feast. This was a golden opportunity, and they were not about to lose it! Money was involved in the deal —thirty silver coins (Matthew 26:15; cf. Zechariah 11:12–13).

What motivated Judas? Many guesses have been made—jealousy, greed, disappointment with Jesus’ mission, to name a few. None of the Evangelists answers the question specifically.