Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Price

Judas is the most tragic story Jesus would have avoided if he could. On the night he was betrayed, He showed his disciples the full loaded extent of his compassion for them. He removed his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist and bent down to serve them affectionately. John 13.

This was a new level they were seeing. Jesus went full emotional mode and wrapped his fingers around in his palms, almost in tears. They were not just his staff, after the price He was to pay will make them His brothers, His very own.

The disciples were dumbfounded, not knowing how to respond. When Peter tried to respond, he made a fool of himself. Jesus approached Peter to pour agape on him, Peter got into the flesh, 6 "He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” and 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

After much explanation, still ignorant Peter screamed hysterically as a sanguine would, 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Then Jesus added something they all ignored, 10 "Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean."

The eleven were already clean but one was not. Judas of course!

And what shocks me is that although Jesus knew from day one that Judas' heart was not right, He not only kept him but trusted him with the finances of the ministry.

You must understand that Judas has his time to be a better man. He lived with Jesus for three and a half years, ate with him, slept together, had fun and worked together.

He had a front seat at Jesus' meetings, he run the finances, he participated in every activity, travelled with Jesus as the rest did, he had a look at Jesus more closely for almost four years, saw his character and strength, His patience and integrity, His power and glory, His anointing and grace, Judas had no excuse.

Judas received the baptism of John, God approved him to be a part of Jesus' ministry. He along with the other disciples went out for witnessing and came back with testimonies.

However, it is apparent that Judas have an unquenchable thirst for money. We never have any record in scripture of Judas making any spiritual statement in those 42 months of walking along with Jesus. Every time Judas spoke, money was involved.

He had an unhealthy craving for profit. It was going to send his soul to hell. Don't tell me that Jesus did not caution and correct and instruct and forewarn him! Don't forget that Jesus loved Judas. The love of money was driving Judas to the cliff.

Things came to the point of no return. Judas' carnal obsessions took him to the brink that will make him jump from the cliff. He heard rumours that there was a price tag placed on Jesus, for His arrest.

Judas thought to himself, why not make a quick gain? Lead them to Jesus, take the cash and He knew nobody could arrest Jesus. Besides, he was not told what they would do to Jesus. He shrugged his shoulders and went ahead with the plans, unfortunately to him, he was wrong. According to God's will an word, Jesus would offer Himself and be killed. And he was the infamous, cursed and possessed man to facilitate it.

Matthew 27:14 "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 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. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

He had buyers remorse. He went back to cancel the contract, but it was already consummated. No going back.

From there Judas had a few hours of horrible demonic torture and he would end his life in a suicide by hanging.

So what happened to the money, the proceeds of selling His Master?
Matthew 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 

4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.”

7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel,

10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded .”

The proceeds of selling Jesus was used to buy a portion of land for the burial of foreigners. And this was as the Lord had said!

Foreigners had a portion of land in Israel! Wow! And these foreigners are gentiles. How could the gentiles own a portion of land in Israel? And all planned by God!

This was showing that the money received from triggering the great work of redemption made room for the gentiles to be a part of Israel.

It wasn't wasted. It did not go to Judas' descendants, it made room for the gentiles!
T

his is good news. Today we are part of Israel. Every thing Jesus gave up made room for us.

Thank you Jesus. We celebrate the freedom we have in you.

God bless you and Happy Easter!

David