Judas loved money more than God. He did not accept and concentrate on his Master’s directions and instructions, but he separated himself from Jesus step by step and his heart gradually hardened. He rejected His love in his agitated heart and was unfaithful with the funds deposited in his hands. He was displeased at his Lord’s scolding when the disciples complained about breaking the alabaster flask of fragrant oil to anoint Him.
Judas was the only Judean among the twelve disciples; the others were Galileans. It’s possible that he was cooperating with the religious council in the capital city of Jerusalem to protect the nation. If the Romans saw large crowds gathered around Jesus, they might decide to punish the nation. Perhaps Judas was trying to prevent this.
At the same time, Judas tried to save himself from the threats of the religious council, so he delivered his Master to declare himself innocent. Perhaps he also thought he could force Jesus to declare His authority and establish His kingdom immediately. This would result in Christ triumphing over His enemies by His divine power, establishing His kingdom on earth, and appointing Judas as His treasurer.
He delivered the “Convicted” to severe hardship. His bad attitude appears in that he accepted the money for treachery. What a dirty trade! He had delivered the Lord of love at a cheap price.
Christ showed the same kindness to Judas, His traitor, that he did to the rest, and put no mark of disgrace upon him that might estrange him. Jesus had placed Judas in the position of purse-bearer, a job that pleased Judas. Although Judas had embezzled the common stock (John 12:6), he do not find he was in any danger of being called to account for it. It does not appear that he thought that the gospel was false. It was not from hatred of his Master, nor any quarrel with Him, but purely the love of money that made Judas a traitor.
The thirty pieces of silver which Judas received for betraying his Lord is prophetically written in the Scriptures in Zechariah 11:12-13. These verses also speak of his getting rid of this amount and throwing it into the temple.