Day 3: The Silver Coins

READ

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14–16

Read also Luke 22:3–6; John 13:2–3; Philippians 2:4–9.

REFLECT

Clink, clink, clink . . . a faint, rhythmic sound was heard as each metallic coin hit another. The coins jingled inside the tiny bag Judas Iscariot carried. Each coin was small and unremarkable in size. Though made of silver, they could have lacked luster and were probably worn out, having passed through countless hands. Thirty silver coins, each etched with images and markings, were deposited in the bag Judas Iscariot clasped as he made his way from meeting with the chief priests to the One whom he would betray.

Have you ever been betrayed by someone? The pain of broken trust, disillusionment, confusion, and anger could be overwhelming, especially if the betrayal is from someone you love and trust.

Jesus faced such a betrayal from Judas, who had been with Him as He had taught, healed the sick, and cast out demons. He witnessed Jesus do miracles right before his very eyes. He shared meals, traveled, and spent considerable time with Jesus. Despite having been by Jesus’ side, Judas failed to truly appreciate, cherish, and value Jesus for who He is. Ultimately, Judas chose selfish gain over his relationship with Jesus, which led him to betray our Savior to the chief priests.

In the Old Testament, thirty silver coins were the price paid for a slave who was killed by an ox (Exodus 21:32). Though not specified, the thirty silver coins during biblical times could have been shekels or tetradrachms, equivalent to several months of wages. Nowadays, it could be comparable to PHP 100,000. For that price, Judas betrayed Jesus.

These thirty silver coins not only remind us of Judas’ betrayal, but also our own. If we were to be totally honest with ourselves, in our weakness, there could be bits and traces of Judas within us. We, too, may have exchanged Jesus—and many times for much less. We may have prioritized personal ambition, a successful career, unhealthy relationships, material possessions, social status, or even momentary pleasures over Him.

Although the story of the thirty silver coins ended tragically for Judas, the price for his betrayal serves as a stark contrast to the price Christ paid for our salvation. Judas valued Jesus so little that he exchanged Jesus for the price of a slave, but Jesus valued us by taking the form of a slave to set us free from our enslavement to sin.

Despite knowing that Judas would betray Him, Jesus did not condemn him. Instead, He knelt down and washed his feet, demonstrating humility and His great love for Judas (John 13:2–3). In the same way, Jesus loves and values each one of us in spite of our sins and failures. His love does not judge nor condemn. Rather, He offers boundless grace to redeem and restore us.

May the weight of the thirty coins remind us not only of our need for redemption but also of the great price Jesus paid for it. And may we, by His grace, learn to value Him above all else, even our own lives.

“Thirty Pieces of Silver”

by Robert Taylor

There’s no satisfaction in riches or in fame

If our Savior is denied

Every castle tumbles and life’s a broken dream

Without Jesus by our side

Thirty pieces of silver was the price they gave

Thirty pieces of silver, just the price of a slave

And my heart I have given to this Christ betrayed

And I know just how much He loved me

By the price He paid

RESPOND

• Reflect on how you may have exchanged Jesus for other things in life. Confess this to God and receive His forgiveness.
• How can we express or demonstrate our value for Jesus over anything else? Are there things you believe you should give up for the sake of Christ?
• Have you betrayed someone or have you experienced betrayal? How can you respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love, and how can you move towards reconciliation?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have exchanged You for my own selfish gain. In my weakness, I have failed to see Your worth and have chosen other things to fill the void only You can satisfy. Thank You for humbling Yourself and dying on the cross to redeem me. May my life reflect Your love and glory, and by Your grace, may I hold nothing back in offering myself to You. Amen.

SONG

Beautiful Love

by Victory Worship