Mark 14:11

Mark 14:11, in plain English

The chief priests were thrilled and promised to pay him. From that point on, Judas was looking for the right moment to betray Jesus.

Why it's here

The leaders had been trying to find a way to arrest Jesus quietly. Judas handed them the solution on a silver platter.

Who's speaking

Mark describes the deal between Judas and the chief priests.

Where it sits in the story

While Jesus was preparing for His death, one of His own was negotiating the price. The darkness was coming from inside the circle.

The scholarly reading

The leaders' delight (Greek: echaresan) and promise of money reveals the transactional nature of the betrayal. Judas then actively seeks (ezetei) an opportune moment (eukairōs) to deliver Jesus.

Language and setting

Judas' offer solves the leaders' timing problem from verse 2: they needed a way to arrest Jesus away from the crowds, and Judas provides inside knowledge of His movements.

Voice

Mark describes the chief priests' reaction and Judas' subsequent surveillance.

Significance

The conspiracy gains its missing element: Judas provides the intelligence and access the leaders needed, transforming their frustrated plotting into an actionable plan.

9And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

11They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money.

12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

13So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him,

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.