Matthew 26:14-16 (NIV) 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 hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
From time to time efforts arise to rehabilitate Judas’ character. Some claim that Judas was acting in secret at Jesus’ express command to move the plan along the lines that Jesus had determined that they should go. Others push an image of him as well-intentioned, but misunderstood, simply trying to force Jesus into taking the reins of government, which He seemed loath to do.
But the fact is, Judas was a man with a bad heart. Although Jesus chose him, and then elevated him to being one of the twelve, he had a different heart than the other eleven. Even though he had once been given authority to heal diseases and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1), he remained self-serving and focused on his own self interests.
Jesus knew these things about Judas’ character when He chose him – He knew what was in the heart of every person (cf. John 2:25). Jesus did not choose Judas and elevate him in an effort to rehabilitate him. He knew that that would not happen. As strange as it might seem, Jesus chose Judas because He knew that Judas would betray Him.
It is odd that the thing that pushed Judas over the edge, the event that so infuriated him that it provided satan an opportunity to take over the reins of his life, was Mary’s extravagant sacrifice of perfume. As John tells us, Judas had been stealing from the group’s money bag for some time, and in that one moment he saw a huge potential contribution to that fund just fly out the window.
With satan fully in control of his thoughts, Judas went straight to the chief priests and offered to give them information that would allow them to arrest Jesus outside the city, far from the public eye, and thus with no threat of a riot. The price settled on was 30 pieces of silver, a month’s wages, paid directly into his pocket. Later (Matthew 27:9-10) Matthew draws the clear parallel to the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13, where the leaders of Israel value their relationship with God at 30 silver pieces, which are ultimately thrown into the temple for the potter.
But with Judas’ betrayal, the wheels were set in motion for Jesus’ arrest and execution, all would reach its conclusion before 48 hours had elapsed, quickly spinning out of the control of those who fancied themselves the movers and shakers, and showing instead God’s sovereign hand at work.
Father, it’s amazing to me that the other eleven disciples, who had lived with Judas for three years at that point, did not immediately suspect him of being the betrayer. Our eyes do not see the heart as Yours do. Help us, Lord, to be always faithful and true to You. Show us anyplace in our hearts that could possibly betray You or Your cause, and help us to give any areas You point out to us to You for Your transformation, so that we will be true always. Amen.