THE QUESTIONABLE QUESTION

Judas went to the chief priests & asked them, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15a)

I find that question questionable. Because it leads us to more questions.

• How can one sell his own friend? How can one betray his teacher?
• What could have been his motive for this evil plan?
• Did Judas want a political leader who will overthrow the current government? He realized that Jesus was not that type so he decided to just sell Him off?
• Did Judas think that the priests were winning the battle with Jesus? Maybe he thought it was time to jump ship & also claim a prize.
• Was it just pure greed? It’s all about the money.

We will never know what his real motive was.

Judas did not show any hesitation when he asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”

He eventually closed the deal. They paid him 30 pieces of silver. They say that’s too low, that's the price of a slave! But some say it worth at most US$3,000 today. It’s not a question of whether the amount was too low, too high or just right. One thing was clear. That amount was not enough to cover for the evil that resulted. Judas realized this later so he decided to kill himself.

"Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests & elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5)

Today's Gospel calls us to reflect on this question - WHAT DID YOU RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE TO GIVING UP JESUS?

• Was it being scot free after you bribed the traffic officer?
• Was it paying less taxes because you hired a “creative” accountant?
• Is it the pleasure of having an affair because your spouse won’t find out?
• Is it the “free" office supplies that you brought home because no one notices?
• Was it finishing the Netflix series ahead of others but you end up missing Sunday Mass?

We are all weak. We judged Judas for what he did. Yet, we also give up Jesus for such trivial things. We sell Jesus every time we sinned.

Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote that, “...many have sold Jesus for a less price than Judas received; a smile or a sneer has been sufficient to induce them to betray their Lord.”

Don’t give up Jesus for anything.

This Holy Week, let’s take time to recall the times when we sold off Jesus too. Jesus gave up His life not for money, fame or power. He gave up His life so that you may be with Him for eternity. That’s pure LOVE. We cannot do anything to match that!

The best we can offer is to GIVE UP our lives to Him. Make that decision now.

Stay safe, stay blessed! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com