Jesus did say to him at the last supper to do what he had to do, but that was usually meant his bookkeeping, and knowing someone is going to do something and PERMITTING that to be done, does not mean you are “instigating” as is commonly understood. Provoking? Teasing? I think not. The prophecies of what was going to happen, and had to happen, were going to be fulfilled.
Jesus was a servant, not a commander, at that time. The Holy Spirit restrains evil. Judas was released to do his evil at Passover. Jesus would never, never instigate someone to commit a betrayal that He would have to suffer the consequences of, especially if that punishment was the whole wrath of His Father in hell. Jesus’ passion included keeping people from facing Himself on the throne of judgment. He teaches us over and over how to get INTO the kingdom of heaven, and could not provoke someone to sin. Provoking someone into sin is agreement and compliance that sin, just as NOT rebuking is compliance.
I use caps because italics is unavailable. Not yelling - just emphasizing.
I agree “instigate” may have been the wrong word to use. Perhaps “acknowledge” or “accept” would have been more appropriate. But since we were not there we will never know for sure.