PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:14-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (Matthew 26:16)
Judas had a money problem: as treasurer he would help himself to the money (John 12:6).
For Judas, this waste of costly perfume is the last straw.
And so Judas exchanges the treasure of God for some pocket change.
Would 30 pieces of silver make Judas more happy than Jesus would?
Judas was so close to Jesus, and yet he did not see the treasure before him.
How many church-goers are the same, more focused on themselves than on Jesus.
Sunday after Sunday they hear about Jesus, even sing songs and contribute money.
With the focus on comfort and blessing, Jesus seems more of a means to an end.
This is a betrayal of Jesus too, a twisting of selfish grace into selfish gain.
What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses his very self? (Luke 9:25)
Money, sex, power, pleasure, possessions, success, fame…
What ‘bait’ does Satan use in my life to get my eyes off of Jesus?
What am I selling my soul for, what am I betraying Jesus for?
One day we may find ourselves asking with regret, ‘was it really worth it?’
PRAYER
Lord, show me how my selfish desires are hurting me, You and others. Show me the ‘coin’ that I am betraying You for.
This passage makes me think about how I betray Jesus. Do I betray him, deny him or back away from defending who he is? At times in the past – I can say I have – when I was weak and didn’t say anything – didn’t have the boldness to stand up to the onslaught misuse of Jesus’s name! I consider that I too have betrayed Jesus trust in me! I kept quiet so that I would remain ‘cool’ in the group I was with. I didn’t dare to stick out – or I was in a place where I should not have been. Help me Jesus – not to betray or deny or keep quiet – give me the words to say or not to say but do – guide me by your spirit.
Trust.
The man trusted his servants when he gave then the talents. They were to use those talents in his service. He entrusted them with his property.
I have been entrusted with gifts while serving Him in His Kingdom. I need to use the gifts in His service and not in self-service. My focus each day anew must be on Him. Speak to me Lord for Your servant is listening. Open my eyes Lord.
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.