Jesús wasn’t the only Messiah to be murdered by the Romans. There were many. The Roman government was very concerned the people of Israel would succeed in revolting. Judas’ betrayal was an act with the goal of forcing Jesus to lead the revolution, showing he clearly misunderstood Jesus’ mission. Were some in the religious Jesus hierarchy in league with the Roman government? Undoubtedly, just as current religious leaders get in bed with government. However, the Jewish people themselves made up Jesus’ followers. Some hoping for revolution and some grasping the deeper messages he delivered about the type of relationships possible with God and other humans. Ones based on love.