scripture
Matthew 26:14-16 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.
observation
Immediately after an instance of greatness kindness done to Christ where he is anointed with expensive perfume as a woman weeps for him (Matthew 26:1-13), follows an instance of the greatest unkindness and betrayal.
The Pharisees needed some help to quietly take Jesus into custody, they could not take the chance of creating a disturbance among Jesus’ followers, but they were perplexed about how to get him without public opinion being turned against the Pharisees.
Maybe back in those days it was difficult to find somebody at night, they didn’t have the street lighting that we have so maybe that’s why the Pharisees needed help to find Jesus at a time when the crowds were not there to turn against them.
They never dreamed that one of Jesus own would help them out. They had no reason to expect that Judas would seek them out to give them what they needed.
By the law (Ex. 21:32), thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave and Judas didn't hold out for another penny.
application
Be careful that even though you are inside the church circles that you are for real. There are people inside the flock that are not really in the kingdom.
prayer
Thank you Lord for offering yourself as a substitute for us to give us what we could not earn for ourselves. Thank you for putting up with being mistreated.
