In the Early Christian Writings after Passion/Palm Sunday, the Sanhedrin gathered and plotted to kill Jesus before the feast of Pesach, if at all possible. On the Wednesday before his death, Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper. As he sat at the supper table with his disciples, a woman named Mary anointed Jesus’ head and feet with a costly oil of spikenard. The disciples were indignant, asking why the oil was not instead sold and the money given to the poor? But some said Judas Iscariot wanted to keep the money for himself. Then Judas went to the Sanhedrin and offered to deliver Jesus over to them in exchange for money. From this moment on, Judas sought an opportunity to betray Jesus. In reference to Judas Iscariot’s intent to betray Jesus, formed on Holy Wednesday, the day is often times called “Spy Wednesday”. (The word spy, as used in the term, means “ambush, ambuscade, snare”.)

Judas was “attracted” to “the power” of this man, Jesus. He could “heal” and he could speak “with authority” and he could “command the demons.”
Remember that Jesus and the 12 were living in a land that was “occupied by the Romans.” “They” had the power of “life and death.” “They” determined what taxes were to be levied and where the roads were going to go. “They” set up the schools and “they” determined the content of those schools.
For 1000’s of years the Middle East has been a place – where people do not like to be told by “outsiders” what they can and cannot do. But then, who does?
It has been the kind of place where they have been “very resistant” to any kind of “foreign intervention.”
As far back as the prophets’ Isaiah and Jeremiah they did not like to be dominated or directed by others.
Rome was forever the “outsider”, Rome intervened domestically, religiously and in every other way, Rome dominated every country they occupied. They were therefore, despised and hated and loathed.
Judas had “an agenda” for the “power of Jesus,” he wanted Jesus to get rid of the Romans, once and for all. Judas desired to stay close, to that kind of power.
To a man like Judas – Jesus was “full of possibilities and potential”.
Jesus had huge crowds listening to him. Crowds that could possibly be turned into a mob or even into an army, if need be.
The men were eager to hear what this “young upstart of a teacher” had to say, and everyone knew men make great fighters.
Jesus never once asked for money but his apostolic band of followers seemingly never lacked for anything.
Judas surmised that with just a little bit of work they could have all kinds of money flowing in – and all through the hands of Judas (himself.)
There was “the possibility” that the “power and popularity” of Jesus would or could at some point “trickle down to Judas-himself.” YAY!!!
Judas himself might be actually “sought after” or “out” as a way to “get to Jesus.”
Judas wondered how many would pay “for the privilege” to have special access to Jesus?
With Jesus of Nazareth “the possibilities” seemed endless.
Judas desired or wanted to “use Jesus” rather than to “serve him.”
Judas was also attracted to Jesus because he seemingly had “staying power.” His popularity only seemed to grow, day after day after day. This was no fly-by-night movement. Jesus was not going to be here one day and be completely forgotten or gone the next. Jesus had this kind of “staying power.”
Judas wanted to see some concrete action “now.” Just “how long” did Judas have to wait???
Judas wanted Jesus to take on the Romans and to defeat them and to control the Jewish world.
Instead Jesus talked often about “peace and non violence” and he talked about the power of “one person” who puts their faith in him.
Judas meanwhile was thinking about “a whole massive army of men!”
It seemed like Jesus was calling people to “service” and not to “strength.” Give up “all that you have” and give it to the poor and “follow me,” is what Jesus had been saying…
And, Judas didn’t like it a bit. No, not a bit! Poor Judas was “getting frustrated” with the passage of time, he wanted Jesus to quit talking and to produce. Do something! Anything! Action, speaks louder than words…
A great many scholars have suggested that Judas sold Jesus out – because he wanted Jesus’ hand to be forced into some kind of “ultimate action.”
Perhaps Jesus even desired a little shove…or a “kick-start” as it were…
When all that Judas “thought” or “hoped” would happen with Jesus did not happen – he gave in to his “own personal agenda.”
Which (as some say) was to make a name for himself. To put himself “out there,” to hopefully win or influence friends and people in high places… a little power and prestige of his own, could not hurt.
Judas reverted to his “old agenda,” which was looking out for number one…