The Last Hours of Jesus: The Betrayal

Fr. Garabed Kochakian

T'oros Roslin Gospels, Judas leads the multitude, Walters Manuscript W.539

In the Old Testament, the Prophet Zechariah (11:4-17) writes about a payment of thirty pieces of silver. This prophecy, written five centuries before Christ, foretold what would unfold in the final hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, agreed to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins—fulfilling the ancient words. 

"What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15) 

Judas led the Roman guards to Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony. With a kiss—a gesture of love turned into treachery—Judas identified the Son of Man to His captors. After the deed was done, guilt consumed him. He hurled the blood money back at the Temple leaders, who used it to purchase the Potter’s Field, a burial place for foreigners. 

The Icon of Betrayal

Painted in a distinct style, this icon captures the chilling moment of betrayal. Unlike other refined religious artworks, it embraces the darkness of that night—a darkness liturgically remembered in the Armenian Church’s Khavaroom service (meaning "darkness") on Holy Thursday. 

In the miniature icon, Christ stands to the left, His divinity marked by the cross inscribed in His halo. Surprisingly, Judas also bears a halo, his name written above it. Why? Because at this moment, he had not yet fully fallen from grace. Even in betrayal, Christ extends open arms toward him—while Judas, with one hand, points to Jesus, signaling the armed guards. 

T'oros Roslin Gospels, The Betrayal of Christ, Walters Manuscript W.539

The Fatal Kiss

The act is complete. Judas embraces Jesus and kisses Him—the sign that seals His arrest. The Gospels recount this moment with solemn clarity: the friend who shared bread with Him now delivers Him to death. 

Beneath this scene, another miniature depicts Malchus, the servant of the High Priest Caiaphas. Simon Peter, armed with a sword, lashes out in defense, severing Malchus’ ear. But Jesus intervenes: "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) He then heals the wounded man—a final miracle before His capture. 

Betrayed Yet Unbroken: The Darkest Hour Before Redemption

The thirty pieces of silver, the kiss in the night, the flashing swords—all were foretold. Yet in the midst of treachery, Christ’s love remained unbroken. Judas, though haloed in the icon, would soon vanish into despair. But the One he betrayed would walk forward—willingly—toward the cross. 

The darkest hour had come. Yet redemption was already at work.