The Price of Loyalty

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-15 NLT

There is a saying that every man has his price. I don’t believe that that saying is completely true, because it would mean that integrity has no value. I believe it might be more accurate to say, that some men have their price while others will stand by their principles, even in the face of death. The Bible documents these two types of individuals. In Matthew 26, Judas had his price. His loyalty was for sale. He was aware that the rulers of the temple wanted to get rid of Jesus. So he went to them to sell his services.

He continued with the group pretending that everything was normal, but verse 16 says, “From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” The other disciples had no idea that there was a traitor in their midst, because they judged him by their own standards. Clearly, Judas was concerned about the profit from a relationship with Jesus while the others were focused on the benefits from serving. Judas was the best person for the job because he knew Jesus; he knew His routine. So while Jesus was at prayer, Judas led the crowd to arrest Him.

However, not everyone is for sale. There were three young men living in exile.  They decided that walking in integrity, was more profitable that compromise. In Daniel 3, these young men had to make a decision: worship the idol and sin against God, or die. They chose death because their loyalty to the God of Israel, had no price. They told the king that their God is able to save them; but even if He didn’t, they were not going to bow down and worship his image. The king had them thrown in the furnace. But their God joined them in the fiery furnace and saved their lives. Judas, on the other hand, couldn’t live with his actions, so he hung himself. You are the only one who can determine if your integrity is for sale.

Thought for Today:  Friend, relationship is more valuable that thirty pieces of silver.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.