by[14] “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [15] 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. [16] So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.” – Matthew 26:14-16 (NKJV)
Jesus had twelve close disciples with whom He moved while doing the work of the ministry. All of them were good people, although they had minor differences among themselves. But despite all that, Jesus kept them together so well. However, Jesus knew that one would betray Him. So, when He announced it to the disciples, the Bible says they were exceedingly sorrowful (see Matthew 26:21-22). Suddenly, some of them started arguing their case.
I imagine what was going through Judas Iscariot’s mind upon hearing Jesus say that. Well, Jesus wasn’t there when Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests to negotiate the price for betraying Jesus to them. Did Judas Iscariot forget that Jesus knew all things and could even read minds? Because I am a leader, I can tell you that leaders are more knowledgeable than followers. What a team member will do in secret will likely be known by his leader. That is why it is hazardous to do bad things wherever you are and think nobody will catch you. Even if it’ll take a hundred years for that secret to be exposed, it’ll surely come. God has always emphasised that we believers live a holy life, both in private and public, because He knows how essential this is.
Although part of a powerful team, Judas had dark sides in his life. He loved money and even used to steal from Jesus’ ministry treasury (see John 12:6). Because he didn’t deal with this behaviour, he allowed it to grow until it got to the point of taking bribes to betray his master. The Bible says that the moment he took that thirty pieces of silver, he focused on seeking an opportunity to betray Jesus. So, anytime he went to join the team, his mind shifted from listening to Jesus’ teachings. That implies taking bribes can destroy your focus. If you are a team member in an organisation reading this, don’t join anybody within the organisation to do something evil; otherwise, it’ll affect you later in life. Secondly, as a leader, be watchful of how your team members behave towards you. Some are genuine, others slide into pretension. May the Lord help you.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for all that You do for me. Deal with any wanton love for money in my heart, and help me to live clean before You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 072
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