Matthew 26:14–16 describes the moment when Judas agrees to betray Jesus.
What is Jesus worth to you, especially when Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?
📖 Matthew 26:14–16 (NASB 2020)
14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priestsm15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.
Who Was Involved?
- Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ chosen twelve disciples known for this pivotal decision
- The chief priests, seeking to kill Jesus and willing to accept Judas’s betrayal
- Jesus, the one being betrayed
- Us today, challenged to examine where our loyalties lie, as when Judas agrees to betray Jesus
What Happened?
- Judas initiated the betrayal in a moment when Judas agreed to betray Jesus
- He asked, “What will you give me?” after he conspired to betray Jesus.
- The priests offered thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32)
- Judas agreed and began to look for the right time to betray Jesus
The Mood: Dark, Calculated, Tragic
- The exchange is brief but chilling
- Judas’ heart had drifted far from love
- The religious leaders acted with deceit and cunning
The Principle: Betrayal Begins with Misplaced Value
- Judas valued silver above the Savior, as evidenced by his betrayal of Jesus.
- Betrayal doesn’t begin with action but with a heart turned inward
- True allegiance to Christ is tested in the quiet decisions no one sees
Audience Response (Then)
- The priests were satisfied to find a willing traitor
- Judas was motivated by greed, disillusionment, or both
- The rest of the disciples were unaware of the deal unfolding behind the scenes
What This Means for Us in 2025
Betrayal still happens—not always with silver, but with compromise, silence, and convenience.
- Where are you tempted to trade your loyalty to Jesus?
- Are you minimizing your faith for gain or approval?
- What does your heart pursue when no one is looking?
Action Steps for Today
- Evaluate your loyalties. What are you unwilling to surrender?
- Guard your heart. Betrayal grows in hidden places
- Value Christ above all. Nothing compares to Him
- Be watchful for temptation. The enemy looks for an opening
- Stay close to Jesus. Proximity protects allegiance
Final Prayer
Jesus, Forgive me for the moments when I’ve chosen lesser things over You. Strengthen my loyalty. Cleanse my heart. May I never trade Your love for what will not last. Help me honor You in every private decision. You are worth more than the world. Amen.
Every betrayal begins with a question: “What will you give me?” When Judas agrees to betray Jesus, offering this example of disloyalty.
