Today we talk about the plot to kill Jesus in Mt 26.1-5, 14-16; Mk 14.1-2, 10-11; Lk 22.1-6.

The Passion has begun, and Jesus isn't even in the room.

This week's readings are short but loaded. The chief priests are plotting, Judas is making a deal, and the machinery of the crucifixion is quietly starting to turn. We look at how all three synoptic writers frame this opening moment of the Passion and why the differences between them matter.

Mark gives you the bare bones. Matthew adds thirty pieces of silver and the shadow of Zechariah. Luke does something neither of them does: he tells you Satan entered Judas, and if you remember where Luke left Satan at the end of the temptation narrative in chapter 4, you know that line has been waiting twenty chapters to land.

We also spend some time with the Greek word behind "betray," paradidomi, to hand over, and why it turns out to be one of the most theologically freighted words in the entire Passion story. And we sit with the Judas question honestly: free agent, cosmic pawn, or something the gospels refuse to resolve cleanly on purpose?

The Passover feast is days away. The authorities wanted to wait until after it. It will not go according to plan.

Readings for next week: Mt 26.6-13; Mk 14.3-9; Jn 12.1-11

Links mentioned in this episode:

- Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week (https://a.co/d/89u4GX8)

- Christ Chronological Bible (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143364603X)

- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@biblelovepodcast)