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. – Matthew 26:14-15
Most of us have probably felt the bitter sting of betrayal from a friend. It may not have been a big dramatic thing, but even a small betrayal, like a secret told to someone they shouldn’t have, can really hurt!
Jesus was betrayed by someone who had not only been a follower, but was part of the inner circle of the apostles, by all accounts a friend to Jesus. From a human perspective, this moment looks like failure. It’s a dark moment in the story. The Chief Priests wanted Jesus dead, but they weren’t His friend! This was a close companion doing the selling out, someone who should be loyal.
Yet Scripture does not present Jesus as a passive victim swept along by tragedy. He knows what is coming, and He does not flee. He remains with His friends, He speaks, eats, prays, and walks forward into suffering. His courage is not loud or forceful. It is the quiet resolve to obey the Father’s will even when the path leads to loss and death.
This betrayal, while sad, was also a fulfillment of Zechariah 11:12, and points us to Exodus 21:32 which places a value of 30 pieces of silver for a dead slave.
In this we learn a few important things. First Jesus has experienced betrayal too, so we are not alone when we go through that. But we also learn that God was always in control! And we can find great comfort and courage in those two things. Even as we go through trials, betrayals and suffering, we can have confidence in the fact Jesus knows our pain and He is in control.
Jesus didn’t overcome this betrayal by escaping; instead it becomes part of the road that leads to the cross, and our salvation.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when we face moments of loss, betrayal, and apparent defeat, grant us faith to trust Your purposes. Teach us to follow You with courage even when the way leads through suffering.
Daily Reading: Matthew 25
– Contributed by Jonathan LaBrie