What’s He Worth to You?

Exodus 29-31:10 Matthew 26:14-46 Psalm 31:19-24 Proverbs 8:14-26

“What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. – Matthew 26:14

Judas was the treasurer of the twelve disciples and the only one who asked to join Jesus rather than being asked. Much speculation has been made as to Judas’ motives for selling Jesus to the religious leaders. Whatever his motives, it seems he wasn’t much of a negotiator. Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave. Surely it would cost more to buy someone off in any king’s court. But Judas settled for the price of a slave.

It’s easy to sit here now and pick on Judas and ask incredulous questions as to what he was thinking, slowly shaking our heads declaring how we would never do anything like this. But lets think about this for a second. How much would it cost to buy you or me from Jesus? Maybe it isn’t thirty pieces of silver. Maybe its putting aside worship time with Him for something else. Maybe its selling out for someone’s opinion of us. Maybe its hanging on to something He has asked us to give up for Him. Whatever it is, we must ask ourselves, which do we want more? The stuff in this world here and now? Or Jesus and His Kingdom?

Lord Jesus, we don’t want to see You as a common slave. We don’t want to sell out for any cost. We want You to be our greatest treasure forever. Help us to see where we are tempted to sell out and put You aside. Give us the strength and courage to say no to the buy-out and stick with You. Amen.