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The “then” at verse 14 is likely used, not to designate a time, but for a logical flow of the narrative. In all likelihood, Judas made the agreement to betray Jesus on the Wednesday before the crucifixion.
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The “then” at verse 14 is likely used, not to designate a time, but for a logical flow of the narrative. • In all likelihood, Judas made the agreement to betray Jesus on the Wednesday before the crucifixion. • Notice verses 1-5 where the chief priests, scribes and elders plot to arrest and kill Jesus “by trickery” (v 4). • If it’s the case that Judas made this plot at the beginning of the chapter, verses 1-16 speak of his greed.
Verses 1-5: • Jesus predicted that in two days, “the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” • Is it not amazing that Jesus knew what was going to happen before it ever occurred? • Obviously, Jesus’ being delivered up for crucifixion was part of the will of God. • What does this say about God’s will & God’s timing? • Also, He knew the evil that lurked in men’s hearts. • He knew what the Jewish leaders were plotting. • He knew that Judas was going to betray Him. • Does Jesus still know what we’re going to do? What does that say about us?
Verses 6-13: • We know a great deal about this passage from John 12:1-11. • While the meal is at Simon’s house, Martha served. • I think it’s important to note that John does not say that Mary, Martha and Lazarus hosted the meal. • During the meal, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet. • Judas is the one who said they should have sold the ointment and given the proceeds to the poor. • We also learn from John that Judas would often steal from the “money box.”
What does Judas teach us about greed? • Why is greed so very dangerous? • “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live” (Prov 15:27). • “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:10). • How do we keep from being greedy?
Judas went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” • Have you ever wondered what finally caused Judas to go to the Jewish hierarchy and offer them Jesus? • Yes, He was greedy. • But, He was so bold to go to the Jewish leadership. • Where did that boldness come from? • He acted cowardly after He betrayed Jesus. • He committed suicide rather than face Jesus/the other disciples. • Does it take more courage to make things right than to sin?
They gave Judas thirty pieces of silver. • Matthew does not here quote from the Old Testament to establish this prophecy. • He does do so at Matthew 27:9-10. • Interestingly, Matthew 27:9-10 attributes the prophecy to Jeremiah, not Zechariah. • Matthew probably meant to fuse Jeremiah 19:1-13 with Zechariah 11:12-13. • He did something quite similar with the last text we explored, Matthew 21:5.
The prophecy of the thirty pieces of silver comes from Zechariah 11:12-13. • We really need to read Zechariah 11:4-14 to get the context. • I find it very interesting that Zechariah is working as a shepherd and is feeding the flock for slaughter. • It certainly reminds me of Jesus’ being led as a sheep to the slaughter.
After working for the shepherds, Zechariah asked for payment. • He received thirty pieces of silver. • Obviously, this is an “object sermon” about the leaders of Israel. • But, it certainly seems “tailor made” for a parable/object lesson on Jesus. • It amazes me how God could take one context and apply it so well in another context. • I think this shows His supernatural knowledge of history.
The Lord told Zechariah to throw the money to the potter. • It’s not clear what “throw the money to the potter” means. • Some say that this is an expression meaning contemptuous treatment. • Others say that the there was a potter who worked in a polluted valley. • 2 Ki 23:10. • I fail to see that connection.
Judas received 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. • This was really a paltry sum. • If the coins were a denarius, this was the monthly wage for the average worker. • “If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned” (Ex 21:32). • Jesus, therefore, was sold for the price of a slave who was accidentally killed. • Jesus’ life had little, if any, value to Judas.
How much do we value the life of Jesus? • What are some ways that we might demonstrate that we have little value in His life? • How do we show that His life has great value?