The Price is Right
While reading the book of Matthew, chapter 26 in the New Testament I became disgusted at the deal worked out between Judas, a disciple of Jesus, and the chief priests for the betrayal of Jesus. Judas agreed to a price of 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. 30 pieces of silver?! Come on!
Is it possible to undervalue anything more than that? I mean, even if you did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah, you still spent the last 3 years going around Israel with the guy. You saw the miracles. You were there at the feeding of the 5,000. You were there at the calming of the storm! What the heck?! Come on, Judas.
Surely, any person’s life is worth more than 30 pieces of silver. But the incarnate Son of God walking on the earth, that life was worth so little?! That was your bargain?! Some silver! Judas, you were a moron.
Side note, in case some might conjure the boldness to suggest that this transaction proves that Jesus was not the Son of God, note that the other disciples, men in the same position as Judas, gave their own lives for the truth that Judas betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
In the middle of my mental tirade against the absolute stupidity of Judas, the Holy Spirit very simply asked, “what would have been the right price?” How high of a price would be worthy to betray the King of kings and Lord of Lords? What personal gain could be an adequate substitute for the Savior of God’s creation? After an immense pause and some truly deep contemplation, my answer was alarming.
Do you consider sin, of any “size” or consequence, betrayal of the One who died to save you from being condemned by it? Obviously it is not turning Jesus over to the authorities to be falsely accused, beaten and crucified. After all, He already went through that. Actually, He went through that so that we might have power over sin. The power to say no to sin. The power to turn our backs on sin, repent and walk in the holiness of God.
If we choose instead to turn our backs on Jesus’ commands, what is that? Just being human? Failing? Judas could claim the same for himself, validly. But sinning, unrepentant and persistent, is not failure. It is betrayal. As John states in his letter: “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.” (1John 3:6a) Be vigilant, watch and pray.