Matthew 26:15
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
**Matthew 26:15**
Judas tests the waters, asking the authorities what they will give him for betraying Jesus. The dialogue reveals the cold calculus of betrayal: a price is set, and the betrayer negotiates a contract. The amount—thirty pieces of silver—recurs as a symbol of betrayal’s cost. The chief priests accept the offer, and this exchange foreshadows the moment when Jesus will be handed over. The verse highlights the intersection of money and morality in biblical narrative, showing how economic motives can distort judgment and lead to a fall from faithfulness. It also sets up the dramatic contrast between Judas’s mercenary choice and the woman’s costly devotion to Jesus.
Theologically, the verse underscores that sin often begins with a small, seemingly rational calculation, culminating in grave consequences. It also shows the sober reality that redemption’s price can be disgraced through human greed, yet God’s providence remains at work. The episode challenges readers to consider the ultimate allegiance of the heart: do we serve money or serve the living God?
In contemporary life, examine your motivations for actions that affect others—career ambitions, financial decisions, or compromises in integrity. Ask: would I betray trust for financial gain? If you recognize temptations, seek accountability and implement safeguards—transparent financial practices, boundaries in relationships, and community oversight. Cultivate contentment and trust in God’s provision rather than rushing to secure security through questionable means. Use resources to bless others rather than to manipulate outcomes. Let this story steer you toward integrity and faithfulness in small, daily choices.
Cross-References: Proverbs 11:1; Luke 22:5; James 4:13-16; Matthew 6:24; Philippians 4:12-13