Betrayal Wednesday

Montana Bible College Dean of Students & Discipleship Carter Knight composed a series of short devotionals for Holy Week. We hope they encourage you and help prepare your heart for worshiping our risen Savior! 

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.

- Matthew 26:14-15

Costly devotion to Christ always offends apostates, even those who appear to be apostles. On the Saturday previous to Judas's sale of Jesus’ life, Mary the sister of Lazarus uncorked a bottle of lavish perfume worth three hundred denarii, or a laborer's yearly wage. To this display of devotion to the person of Jesus, Judas objected on grounds that the perfume should have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor (John 12:5). However, what really offended Judas was not a missed opportunity to care for the poor. Rather, he was offended by such a high evaluation of Jesus.

On the following Wednesday, Judas would sell Jesus to corrupt religious leaders for 30 pieces of silver. Some scholars believe this amount to have been worth around 120 denarii. That’s less than half the worth of Mary’s perfume. Furthermore, 30 pieces of silver is the Old Testament's established price of a slave who was gored by the horns of a bull (Exodus 21:32). What an ironically fitting evaluation of the one who himself said that, “I came not to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Moreover, for one who would be gored upon the cross by those who may truthfully be called bulls of Bashan (Old Testament code language for corrupt and greedy people, alluded to even in that poignant prophecy of Christ's crucifixion Psalm 22, especially verses 12 and 21).

In both accounts Judas wanted the money for himself and not for mercy ministries. His insidious example is a stark and dark reminder to examine our own hearts for any wayward motives. Especially the love of money, that root for all kinds of evil; even that worst evil in the history of the world, the betrayal of Christ.

Therefore, let us despise shameful gain. It would only shipwreck our most holy faith for a treasure which perishes with us. What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? Therefore, let us never deny the sovereign Lord Jesus who bought us with his precious blood.

Estimate the value of Christ as priceless.

This Savior is worth more than your salary. Do not be offended by whatever he calls you to give or by whatever anyone else gives to honor the Lord. Rejoice whenever the value of Jesus is highly esteemed, and let your own wallet commend his worth.