As we noticed in the context of Peter's denial of Christ, the dichotomies between the lines throughout the betrayal, trial, arrest, and execution of Christ are striking. (27:1) When morning arrives, ALL the chief priests and elders of the people took council against Jesus to put Him to death – while the night before it was all they could do to get two witnesses to agree on a charge against Him and even then, it was utterly spurious. (27:2) They bind Him, lead Him away and deliver Him over to Pilate – this the Son of God and Son of Man who came to set the captives free. (27:3) Judas suddenly has second thoughts about selling his master into the hands of His killers for 30 measly pieces of silver (the price of a slave) – yet he was apparently deaf to the Word of Christ preceding (5:1) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” and (5:12) “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”. Meanwhile chief priests reject Judas' refund to the treasury, as the price of blood is an unsuitable offering to God – while the blood of Christ they would soon shed would ultimately prove the only suitable offering to God! The glorious details of Jesus' final day are compounding in spite of apparent tragic turns of events. He continues to drink the wrath filled poison cup for us...