PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:14-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15)
Judas was one of the twelve, one of those closest to Jesus.
He had access to and experience of Jesus that few others had.
He walked side by side with divine love embodied as a human.
He saw people healed and raised from death, he heard profound wisdom for living.
But none of this was enough, he wanted more: “What are you willing to give me…”
I’m reminded of Adam and Eve, and all that they had, and still it was not enough.
In the moment, the forbidden fruit and the 30 pieces of silver seemed worth it.
But after the transaction was complete, and reality set in, was it worth it?
What is Jesus worth to me, and what do I want more than Jesus?
As a Jesus follower, I do value my access to and experience with Jesus.
Walking with him by his Spirit, experiencing his divine love in me by his Spirit.
Seeing his impact on the lives of others, hearing his wisdom for living…
Do I appreciate all of this, do I value the treasure that these are to me?
Or am I selling them out for lesser pleasures or lesser treasures?
PRAYER
Lord, I see Judas losing sight of the greatest treasure and selling you out for pennies. Reveal to me how I am doing this too. Knowing you is worth more than losing you!
Judas went to the chief priests and asked: “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” Judas knew that they wanted to arrest Jesus and take him off the streets and get rid of him. Judas saw what Jesus did and saw evidence of his power – but still he did it. Other than the lucrative side, was Judas frustrated with Jesus because he was expecting something more from Jesus – especially for him – maybe a position of prestige and power if Jesus was going to be the one to conquer the Romans etc.? But still he did not put much stock in who Jesus is. Did he really think it through? Did his anger and frustration mess up his thinking? What was he thinking? Do I take Jesus as less than who He is too? He is the son of God – all powerful and He lives – He sees me and knows me. I have a tendency to be foolish like Judas as well. Forgive me Lord and turn me back to you!
I am reminded of the parable of the greatest treasure – selling all in order to obtain the field for the treasure. Jesus is the greatest treasure and I need to live for Him. All for Jesus. That is true life and true living. Without Him I am dead already like a dead man walking. Jesus gives life today and life everlasting and that’s the only way to live each day. We/I was created to serve Him always.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be