Thirty Pieces Of Silver

– Ponderings:

Today is the calm before the storm, the lull in the eye of the hurricane. Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. Instead of spending time alone, Jesus continues going to the temple during the day for some final teaching and then withdrawing at night to a place near the Mount of Olives. He spoke of who he was and warned them against following false teachers. He praised a woman who didn’t give much but gave despite not having much. He looked at a Roman coin and said, “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give God what rightly belongs to God.” He told them of a future day when God’s kingdom would come, when he would return, and that it would catch everyone by surprise. He warned them to stay ready for that day.

Today is also the day when the rain begins. Clouds have been gathering, but today is when events leading to the cross were put into action. As Jesus gathered his disciples around him and taught, one disciple was missing.

“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (Matthew 26:14-16).

While Jesus taught in the temple, one of his own was plotting to hand him over. Betrayal never comes from the outside and, in this case, it grew from within the circle of trust. The Gospel of Matthew tells us Judas went to the chief priests, initiating the betrayal. The heartbreak in this moment isn’t only that Jesus would be betrayed—it’s that he would be betrayed by someone who, for three years, had walked with him, eaten with him, and witnessed his miracles. It was by someone Jesus had even given authority, at least on one occasion, to heal others in his name. It was by someone who publicly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and spoke of the coming kingdom of God.

How could one so trusted turn on Jesus? And what did Judas receive in exchange for his betrayal? Thirty pieces of silver. Not much money, even then.

This moment invites us to reflect deeply. What is the price at which we, too, are tempted to compromise our faithfulness to Christ? Maybe it’s not silver, but comfort. Maybe it’s not betrayal, but silence when we should speak. Maybe it’s not desertion, but distraction when we should be devoted.

And yet—even here—there is grace. Jesus knew what Judas had done and would do. But on his last evening, when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he didn’t exclude him. He knelt and washed Judas’ feet just as with the others. When Jesus and the disciples ate their last meal together, Judas was there and included in the sharing of bread and wine. Jesus chose the path of love all the way to the cross, even for the one who would betray him.

As you ponder these events, how does Jesus’ unwavering love for Judas speak to his love for you?

Prayer: Merciful Savior, in your final days, you were betrayed by one of your own. Help me to search my heart and see where I have traded my faithfulness for fleeting comfort or gain. Forgive me and draw me closer to your heart. In my moments of weakness, draw me closer to your strength. In your holy name, Amen.