The Price of Betrayal: 30 Silver Slivers | Matthew 26:14-15

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes this week to celebrate Easter with some special devotionals aimed at preparing our hearts for this week in history.

Our text today is Matthew 26:14-15

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. — Matthew 26:14-15

Thirty pieces of silver. That was the cost of betraying the Son of God. The price of a slave. The value Judas placed on Jesus.

Judas had walked with Jesus for three years. He had seen miracles, heard the teachings, and even broken bread with Him. Yet in the end, he sold the Savior for pocket change.

It’s easy to condemn Judas. But before we do, we must ask ourselves—have we ever traded Jesus for less?

• When we compromise faith for comfort, are we not betraying Him?
• When we choose sin over obedience, do we not exchange Him for temporary gain?
• When we remain silent when we should stand for truth, do we not sell Him out to avoid rejection?

Betrayal isn’t just Judas’ story—it’s ours too.

Judas didn’t betray Jesus in a moment. His heart had been drifting long before that night. In John 12:6, we learn that Judas had been stealing from the disciples’ money bag. His love for money had been growing in secret, and eventually, it overpowered his love for Christ.

Betrayal always begins in the heart. It starts small—unconfessed sin, divided loyalty, a love for the world. Then one day, the moment comes when we must choose between Jesus and something else.

Judas chose silver.

What about us?

What are the “thirty pieces of silver” that tempt you?

• Success?
• Approval?
• Comfort?
• Hidden sin?

If we’re not careful, we will trade what is eternal for what is temporary—just like Judas.

Judas thought silver would satisfy him. But sin never delivers what it promises.

When he realized the weight of his betrayal, he tried to undo it (Matthew 27:3-5). But guilt without repentance leads to despair. Instead of running to Jesus for mercy, Judas ran to the grave.

Yet contrast this with Peter, who also betrayed Jesus that same night. Peter denied Jesus three times—but instead of running from Christ, he ran back to Him. And Jesus restored him.

The difference? Judas regretted his sin. Peter repented of it.

The good news? No betrayal is too great for Jesus to forgive. If we bring our failures to Him, we don’t have to end like Judas. Instead, we can be restored like Peter.

Judas shows us that proximity to Jesus doesn’t equal faithfulness. You can be near Christ and still betray Him. Faithfulness isn’t about knowing Jesus’ words—it’s about treasuring Him above all else.

So today, ask yourself:

• What competes for my loyalty to Christ?
• Where do I need to confess and turn back before small compromises become full betrayals?
• Am I running from Jesus in guilt or to Jesus in repentance?

If you’ve felt the weight of compromise, the pull of temptation, or the sting of regret—know this: Jesus is still calling you back.

Judas walked away. Peter ran back. You have the same choice today.

No matter how far you’ve drifted, His grace is greater. His arms are open. His mercy is new.

Will you come back to Him?

Take a moment now—confess, surrender, and turn to the One who gave everything for you.

#Easter #Forgiven #RunToJesus

1. What are the “thirty pieces of silver” in my life that tempt me to compromise my faith?
2. Have I ever traded Jesus for comfort, approval, or hidden sin?
3. When I fail, do I run away in guilt or back to Jesus in repentance?
4. What steps can I take today to ensure my heart stays faithful to Christ?

Take a moment to reflect on any area where you have compromised your faith, confess it to Jesus, and choose to run back to Him today.

Lord, reveal any area where my heart has drifted from You, and give me the strength to turn back in repentance. Thank You for Your mercy that never runs out and for calling me back to You. Amen.

Truth Be Told.