Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

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

Cynics will insist everyone has a price and loyalty can be bought. For Judas Iscariot, thirty silver coins represented approximately four months’ wages. Why would he betray Jesus? After three years of being with this remarkable teacher, healer, and miracle worker, what prompted him to sell out to the religious authorities? Was it greed? Or is there more to this story? Did the anonymous woman who so lovingly anointed Jesus influence his decision? The other gospel accounts do not tell us the motives of Judas Iscariot (Mark 14:10,11; Luke 22:3-6). They do tell us that the hostile religious leaders were “delighted” with his decision to betray Jesus into their hands (Mark 14: 11 NIV).

Luke and John specifically mention that “Satan enteredJudas.” This expression is found twice, first in Luke 22:3 and later during the description of the Last Supper in John 13:27. One commentary notes that Judas never had a high motive of service or commitment to Jesus (Hendriksen, William. “New Testament Commentary: The Gospel of Matthew,” pp. 902-903). Judas had even stolen money that had been given to support Jesus and the otherdisciples in ministry (John 12:6). From the very beginning of his experience with Jesus, he compromised his ethics and integrity for personal gain and ambition.

Judas Iscariot began watching for an opportunity to betray his master, friend, mentor, and rabbi. Judas was receptive to evil influence in his life, and Satan is a great opportunist and strategist.

Judas Iscariot had the soul of a traitor. He was a hypocrite and a sneak. His story continues to enlighten people, for the Christian church has always had some disciples who merely pretend to serve Christ out of loving devotion. Jesus is useful to them as they seek to further their careers, special agendas, and personal fortunes. But nothing is more demoralizing than being betrayed by someone you love. It is frighteningly easy to become like Judas Iscariot. Hypocrisy can take many forms and the spiritual profile of Judas serves as warning.

Do our lives model the life of Judas Iscariot? Do we share his lack of commitment and self-serving motive to serve Jesus? Have we ever compromised and taken what is not ours? Do we live with integrity? What are our ethics? Have we, like Judas Iscariot, intimately known Jesus, been involved in ministry, and been in spiritual leadership? What is our price to compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

God, help us humbly learn from the mistakes of Judas Iscariot. Amen.

from “Living as the Beloved” published by Chi Rho Press Used with permisson Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. http://www.ChiRhoPress.com