July 8, 2018

What’s Your Price?

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. – Luke 22:4-5

What would you do for the promise of money or power? Don’t deny that it would ever happen. Most people have a price, the amount of money or the level of prestige, that would cause them to betray those closest to them.

Judas had a price. It was 30 pieces of silver, roughly about $600. Looking back, we see that Judas betrayed the Messiah. We understand that it was planned from the beginning. God had made a way to reconcile us to Him. Judas’ actions fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.

But step back for a moment and consider this: Judas betrayed his friend. He handed Jesus over for money. He ignored the three years he had traveled with Jesus and sat at the table with Him. He shoved aside the miracles and the memories. He did it all for money.

So, let me ask you again: What’s your price? Who will you betray for a nice promotion at work? What will you take credit for to get a bonus? How many times will you tell yourself “it’s just business” as you do what you know you shouldn’t in order to elevate your worldly goods and status?

Maybe it’s more about money than position for you. Will you lie to bring in more money? Will you cheat someone? Will you take advantage of someone who trusts you? What’s your price? How much is your family worth? Your friends? Your coworkers?

Many years ago there was a big scandal involving the son of a famous actor. A “friend” sold her story to a television tabloid. She took advantage of his tragedy to put money in her own pocket and give her those 15 minutes of fame she craved. I wonder how much it cost her?

She and I had a mutual friend. He promptly ended the friendship. Who wants to be around someone you can’t trust? I don’t know if anyone else did the same but I suspect that they did. Yes, she got money and fleeting fame. But she lost a great deal too.

Do we ever count the cost? Did Judas understand what those 30 pieces of silver would cost him? He attempted to return the silver. He realized he had betrayed an innocent man and now that man, Jesus, would be crucified. Judas paid with his life, though we don’t know whether it was from hanging (Matthew 27:5) or from a fall (Luke says this in Acts 1:18). Shame for a betrayal that could never be undone.

We like to get lofty when talking about what we will or won’t do. We pretend all is well until the day comes and we are faced with a choice: Do what is right or do what will benefit you financially. The world is littered with people who did all they could to benefit themselves only to have their evil plans derailed. And the world is littered with their victims.

Satan knows each person’s sweet spot. He knows just what it will take to lead you down a path you thought you were above. Never get so cocky as to think he doesn’t know your price. And never get so arrogant to think you won’t fall to temptation. Everyone has a price. What’s yours?