CHALLENGING THOUGHT: It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Judas became indignant as Mary broke the alabaster jar and anointed Jesus with pure nard. Judas quickly stated that a $10,000 jar of nard “could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor,” Jesus, of course, rebuked Judas, no doubt leaving him embarrassed and ashamed. Instead of accepting the admonishment of Jesus, He took matters into his own hands.
Seeking revenge, Judas went to see the High Priest looking to betray Jesus if the price was right. According to Matthew, Caiaphas is the high priest under whom this happened (Matt. 26:3), but Luke tells us that Annas is also high priest at this time (Luke 3:1–2; Acts 4:5–6). In AD 15, Rome deposed Annas from the high priesthood, later replacing him with his son-in-law, Caiaphas. However, Annas continued to exert power behind the scenes, almost like a “co-high priest” with Caiaphas.
The deal was made. Caiaphas paid Judas 30 pieces of silver to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Scholars debate just how much 30 pieces of silver were worth in present-day value, ranging anywhere from $200-$600. It’s sad to think about how Jesus was betrayed for something as small and insignificant as 30 pieces of silver…However, when I study my life and the history of my sins, I am quickly reminded that I have betrayed Christ for a lot less. If we’re honest with ourselves, I think we could all agree that at some point in our lives, we have turned our back on Christ. It might not have been for 30 pieces of silver, but maybe it was our own addictions, desires, or depravity that lead to those decisions.
SOUL QUESTIONS:
Are you currently desiring something that is greater than Jesus (money, fame, promotions, relationships, cars, et.)? Where are your priorities as you are heading into Easter?
Have you found yourself being rebuked by God lately? How are you responding? Are you accepting His admonishment, or are you taking matters into your own hands?
PRAYER: Is there one person you want to see put his/her trust in Jesus…pray that God would open his/her heart to HIM during this Easter week. Pray for God to show you someone to invite to the Easter Celebrations.