Judas’ Betrayal and Today’s Believer: For How Many Pieces of Silver?

 

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” — Matthew 26:14–15 (NKJV)

Judas Iscariot is one of the most infamous names in Scripture, forever remembered for betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. It’s easy to point fingers at him with disgust, wondering how anyone so close to Jesus could trade Him in for mere coins.

But before we judge Judas, perhaps we should pause and ask: How often do we betray Jesus for far less?

Betrayal in Today’s Language

Today’s believers might not hand Jesus over to soldiers, but we often hand over His principles, His presence, and His purpose for temporary gain. Our “pieces of silver” may not be coins but convenience, comfort, applause, popularity, or pleasure.

Judas kissed Jesus to betray Him. We sometimes lift our hands in worship while compromising our faith in private.

The truth is, the spirit of betrayal didn’t end with Judas. It lives on in every decision we make that places something else above Christ.

Here and many others are the way we, as today's believers, betray Jesus.

1. Betraying Jesus for Money and Material Gain

How many believers compromise their faith for a financial breakthrough? The jobs we picked do not align with our faith and values, but at least they put food on our table. Or shady business deals, falsified reports, we sell out our testimony for the promise of wealth. But Jesus warned: “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” — Matthew 16:26 (NKJV)

2. Betraying Jesus for Short-term Pleasure

Judas was likely hoping to gain something: control, recognition, and maybe even safety. Many of us do the same when we trade eternal joy for momentary pleasure: sexual immorality, addictions, dishonesty in relationships.

We may not realize it immediately, but like Judas, regret often comes swiftly after the act (Matthew 27:3–5).

3. Betraying Jesus with Silent Disobedience

Sometimes our betrayal isn’t loud. It’s in the quiet “no” to His voice. When we ignore the Holy Spirit’s nudge to forgive, serve, give, or surrender, we turn away from Him.

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15 (NKJV)

Read: Should I Pay Tithes from my Business' Profits?

4. Betraying Jesus for the Approval of Others

Many believers silence their faith to fit in watering down truth to avoid being "too spiritual" or “judgmental.” Judas betrayed Jesus in the company of religious leaders; today, we betray Him in boardrooms, classrooms, and group chats.

But Scripture says:

“For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)

Peter vs Judas

Judas regretted his actions but didn’t return to Jesus. Peter, who also failed, wept bitterly and was restored. The difference wasn’t the size of the sin, but the response to conviction.

So we ask ourselves today:

What is your "thirty pieces of silver"?

What temporary reward is worth betraying the eternal King?

Are you clinging to guilt like Judas or running back to grace like Peter?

Final Thoughts

Choose Redemption Over Regret. Beloved, Jesus still receives us; failures, flaws, and all. If you’ve compromised, He offers forgiveness. If you’ve sold Him out, He invites you back in.

Let today be the day you let go of the silver and hold on to the Savior.

Feel free to share your experience of how you have betrayed Jesus and how you were able to handle it. I will be waiting in the comment section.