What does Matthew 26:16 mean?

The chief priests and elders have been plotting together at the home of the high priest about how to arrest and kill Jesus (John 11:53). They had decided to wait until after the Passover, to avoid causing an uproar among the crowds of people packed into Jerusalem for the celebration. The last thing they wanted were riots over this popular preacher and healer.

Now, a perfect opportunity has come along, causing them to risk moving up their timetable. One of Jesus' inner circle of twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot, has come to them and offered to deliver Jesus over to them. This is a meaningful offer, since the ancient world didn't have the advantages of photographs, cameras, or telephones to track someone like Jesus to a specific location. With Judas' help, they will be able to find and arrest Jesus in the middle of the night, far from the view of the crowds. This is the chance they have been waiting for.

Now it's up to Judas to find the perfect moment to betray his master. He has been paid his 30 pieces of silver. It will be up to him to follow through.