Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6
“Nothing is ever truly gained when it is gotten at the expense of Jesus.”
We all naturally love ourselves, so most of our actions are done for personal gain. If you reflect on your actions this week, you will agree with me. Judas Iscariot's story, one of the most defining stories of Passion Week (Matthew 21-28; Mark 11-16; Luke 19-24; John 12-21), shows us that such a motivation for action because of its present and eternal consequences is not recommended if it would be at the expense of the Lord Jesus Christ.
During Holy Week, on Wednesday, Judas Iscariot went to the religious leaders to betray the Lord Jesus. It was this betrayal that made it possible for them to lay hands on him. However, it was through this betrayal that Judas lost everything, though he went in seeking gain.
Matthew 26:15 tells us that he betrayed the Lord for what the religious would give him. Judas was willing to give up Jesus for personal gain. Judas’s action directly contrasts that of the woman in Matthew 26:6-13, who was willing to sacrifice a jar of very expensive ointment on Jesus. While Judas was willing to betray the lord for something else, a meager sum of 30 silver pieces, this woman was willing to give up what was probably her most prized possession to him as an expression of her dedication to him. Judas wanted to gain something from the religious leaders, but ended up losing what they gave him. In addition, he also lost his physical and spiritual life (Matthew 27:3-10; John 17:12).
Here is something to ponder on this Holy Wednesday: For what have you sold Jesus? What do you desire that is making you feel tempted to betray Jesus, or what have you already betrayed Jesus for?
If you have already betrayed him, you can repent. He is always ready to forgive and welcome back anyone who repents. If you were still thinking about betraying him, remember that you are the only one who stands to lose something when you betray him. Nothing is ever truly gained when it is gotten at the expense of Jesus.