The central figure in today’s gospel is Judas. He bargains with the Chief Priests to hand Jesus over for 30 pieces of silver. After this event, we hear of the preparation of the apostles for the Last Supper. So we can surmise the betrayal was not a spur of the moment decision. It was premeditated. And those sad, frightening words: “…but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
And Judas compounds his betrayal with a lie: “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
Jesus answers, “You have said so.”