The Greedy Disciple (Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:14-16)
The “then” at verse 14 is likely used, not to designate a time, but for a logical flow of the narrative. In all likelihood, Judas made the agreement to betray Jesus on the Wednesday before the crucifixion. Notice verses 1-5 where the chief priests, scribes and elders plot to arrest and kill Jesus “by trickery” (v 4). If it’s the case that Judas made this plot at the beginning of the chapter, verses 1-16 speak of his greed.
Verses 1-5:
Jesus predicted that in two days, “the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Is it not amazing that Jesus knew what was going to happen before it ever occurred? Obviously, Jesus’ being delivered up for crucifixion was part of the will of God. What does this say about God’s will and God’s timing?
Also, He knew the evil that lurked in men’s hearts. He knew what the Jewish leaders were plotting. He knew that Judas was going to betray Him. Does Jesus still know what we’re going to do? What does that say about us?
Verses 6-13:
We know a great deal about this passage from John 12:1-11. While the meal is at Simon’s house, Martha served. I think it’s important to note that John does not say that Mary, Martha and Lazarus hosted the meal.
During the meal, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet. Judas is the one who said they should have sold the ointment and given the proceeds to the poor. We also learn from John that Judas would often steal from the “money box.”
What does Judas teach us about greed? Why is greed so very dangerous? “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live” (Prov 15:27). “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:10). How do we keep from being greedy?
Judas went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” Have you ever wondered what finally caused Judas to go to the Jewish hierarchy and offer them Jesus? Yes, He was greedy. But, He was so bold to go to the Jewish leadership. Where did that boldness come from? He acted cowardly after He betrayed Jesus. He committed suicide rather than face Jesus/the other disciples. Does it take more courage to make things right than to sin?
They gave Judas thirty pieces of silver. Matthew does not here quote from the Old Testament to establish this prophecy. He does do so at Matthew 27:9-10. Matthew 27:9-10 attributes the prophecy to Jeremiah, not Zechariah, but the prophecy comes from Zechariah 11:12-13.
The prophecy of the thirty pieces of silver comes from Zechariah 11:12-13. We really need to read Zechariah 11:4-14 to get the context. I find it very interesting that Zechariah is working as a shepherd and is feeding the flock for slaughter. It certainly reminds me of Jesus’ being led as a sheep to the slaughter.
After working for the shepherds, Zechariah asked for payment. He received thirty pieces of silver. Obviously, this is an “object sermon” about the leaders of Israel. But, it certainly seems “tailor made” for a parable/object lesson on Jesus. It amazes me how God could take one context and apply it so well in another context. I think this shows His supernatural knowledge of history.
The Lord told Zechariah to throw the money to the potter. It’s not clear what “throw the money to the potter” means. Some say that this is an expression meaning contemptuous treatment. Others say that the there was a potter who worked in a polluted valley. 2 Kings 23:10. I fail to see that connection.
Judas received 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. This was really a paltry sum. If the coins were a denarius, this was the monthly wage for the average worker. “If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned” (Ex 21:32). Jesus, therefore, was sold for the price of a slave who was accidentally killed. Jesus’ life had little, if any, value to Judas.
How much do we value the life of Jesus? What are some ways that we might demonstrate that we have little value in His life? How do we show that His life has great value?
This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Dale Ridge church of Christ in Roanoke, Virginia.