The drama of Holy Week intensifies with Judas the Iscariot as one of the main characters. (Matthew 26:14-25)
Matthew begins by telling us that “One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.” What went on in Judas’ mind and heart and soul is known only to God, but the fact is that Satan entered him (Chapter 13 of John), and he made his choice to betray Jesus. Having made that choice, he took action by going to the chief priests and bargaining with them. They gave him thirty pieces of silver – a good amount of money – to betray his Master. Matthew tells us that he looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. He continued to be numbered among the Twelve, the closest disciples of Jesus. He continued to be a member of that intimate group privy to Jesus’ movements and teachings. He was leading two lives: follower of Jesus and betrayer. Jesus was no fool. He knew what was going on but let it be. He let the plan of salvation unfold knowing the agony and betrayal involved.
Challenge for all of us: do I live two lives? On one hand, do I profess to be a follower of Jesus; and yet, on the other hand do I make choices to betray Jesus…that is do I live a life that contradicts the teachings of Jesus?
Andre's Hearth 