14Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14-16 (New International Version)
Yep. Judas, the traitor. The one who demonstrated his selfishness on the worlds stage. This is the day where is seemed that Judas sealed the deal the “hand over” Jesus. We give Judas a really hard time some times, because we know that we are so perfect! But really, I was thinking this morning about “What are willing to give me if I hand him over?”or maybe “What am I wanting to get that makes me hand him over?” Don’t we find ourselves asking that question some times?
It may not be thirty silver coins, the price of a slave, but it may be something just as cheap. Or it may be something of more “value” – a job, a thing, a pleasure, a moment? Its a daily battle for us to continually balance the value of our “stuff” versus the value of freedom from Christ. I personally find it rather easy to hand over Jesus for “stuff” , as much as it pains me to admit it. We just have to remember that if we stick with him, we will get all that we ever want.
10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11 (New International Version)
So today, don’t trade Him in. Stick with him! Complete your Joy!