October 3, 2025

In Matthew 26, we find the story of Judas and the other disciples as Jesus is arrested. As you know, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Jewish religious leaders for 30 pieces of silver. Was that a lot of money back then? (see appendix for an estimate of what 30 pieces of silver amounted to back then).

 This question should haunt each of us. Do many of us professing Christians betray Jesus for a whole lot less?

Peter was told that he would deny Jesus (betray Him) three times that night before the cock crowed twice. When Jesus was arrested, all of his disciples abandoned him and fled. That was their betrayal of Jesus. But only Judas led those who wanted to murder Jesus to Him.

How do Christians betray Jesus?

• When we deny that we know him, when it becomes uncomfortable to acknowledge our belief and fidelity to Him. Is this not betrayal?
• When we do not confess Him before others. Jesus said, If you deny Me before men, I will deny you before my Father. Is this not betrayal?
• When we claim allegiance to Him, yet we do not live as He wants us to live. We betray Him when this is true of us.
• If we spend very little time with Him in prayer and the study of His word, do we not betray Him?
• When we refuse to believe what He has said and do what He commands, we betray Him.
• When we fear the loss of approval of our peers, we often deny or betray Him in word and deed.

It is easier to understand betrayal when the cost of loyalty is high. But most of us are never expected to suffer such significant cost, and still we betray Him. Let us gather our strength and courage and become the loyal followers of the Master that He deserves.

Appendix

The Value of Thirty Pieces of Silver (Matthew 26:15)

In Matthew 26:15, Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This amount carries both historical and symbolic significance. Below is a summary of its meaning, value in Jesus’ day, and approximate modern equivalents.

1. What Were the Thirty Pieces of Silver?

The Greek text uses the phrase τριάκοντα ἀργύρια (triakonta argyria), literally “thirty silvers.” This most likely refers to thirty silver shekels, a common coin in Judea. The amount directly echoes Exodus 21:32, which set the price of a slave at thirty shekels of silver. By this comparison, Judas valued Jesus at the cost of a slave.

2. Value in Jesus’ Day

– A shekel in the first century weighed about 14 grams of silver.
– Thirty shekels = roughly 420 grams of silver (about 13.5 troy ounces).
– A denarius (about ¼ of a shekel) was a day’s wage for a laborer (Matthew 20:2).
– Therefore, thirty shekels ≈ , 120 denarii ≈ , about four months of wages for a common worker.

3. Value in Today’s Money

– Modern silver price (2025): about $28 per troy ounce.
– 13.5 ounces × $28 ≈ $380 USD in raw silver value.
– In terms of wages: four months of labor at $15/hour ≈ $9,600 USD.

4. Summary

• Raw silver value today: about $380 USD.
• Equivalent labor value: about $10,000 USD.
• Symbolically: the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), underscoring the cheap value Judas placed on Jesus’ life.

Appendix

The Value of Thirty Pieces of Silver (Matthew 26:15)

In Matthew 26:15, Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This amount carries both historical and symbolic significance. Below is a summary of its meaning, value in Jesus’ day, and approximate modern equivalents.

1. What Were the Thirty Pieces of Silver?

The Greek text uses the phrase τριάκοντα ἀργύρια (triakonta argyria), literally “thirty silvers.” This most likely refers to thirty silver shekels, a common coin in Judea. The amount directly echoes Exodus 21:32, which set the price of a slave at thirty shekels of silver. By this comparison, Judas valued Jesus at the price of a slave.

2. Value in Jesus’ Day

– A shekel in the first century weighed about 14 grams of silver.
– Thirty shekels = roughly 420 grams of silver (about 13.5 troy ounces).
– A denarius (about ¼ of a shekel) was a day’s wage for a laborer (Matthew 20:2).
– Therefore, thirty shekels ≈ 120 denarii ≈ about four months of wages for a common worker.

3. Value in Today’s Money

– Modern silver price (2025): about $28 per troy ounce.
– 13.5 ounces × $28 ≈ $380 USD in raw silver value.
– In terms of wages: four months of labor at $15/hour ≈ $9,600 USD.

4. Summary

• Raw silver value today: about $380 USD.
• Equivalent labor value: about $10,000 USD.
• Symbolically: the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), underscoring the cheap value Judas placed on Jesus’ life.