Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
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I find it interesting that the religious leaders were trying to get rid of Jesus because they were afraid of the people. It wasn’t that they feared God and didn’t want someone interfering with their relationship with Him…it wasn’t that they feared God and wanted to make sure they were responsible for always doing the right thing…it was because they feared the people. This shows where their heart lied…it was in their authority, reputation, and image. This is a temptation for a lot of people. We focus so much on these things that only point back to ourself…when we should be saying and doing everything to point to Jesus. Don’t be like these religious leaders…be in reverent fear of God…and live like it.
A Journey With Jesus 