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Judas Betrays Jesus - Mark 14
Judas Betrays Jesus - Mark 14
Mark 14:10-11 (10) Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. (11) They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.
The woman anointed Him for his coming death with ‘very costly’ perfume. According to Mark 14:5 it was worth 300 Denarii and was 'nard' (an 'essential' oil from the Himalayas .. At $20 an hour, 10 hrs a day, $300 day = $60,000, Even at $10 per hour, such estimates come to $30,000. The disciples complain: ‘what a waste!’. Judas seems to have been the main complainer – for he held the ‘money bag’ of the shared disciples and he stole out of it. (John 12:6)
Now, Judas makes a deal to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Estimating CURRENT money values from ancient currency amounts is difficult. What was $125 per week worth in 1970 vs. 2025? Our best estimate comes from the daily workers being paid 1 denarius.
But even this is fraught with problems as we try to decide what a day laborer is paid in 2025! Doing what? Where? Do we only use USA rates? If you lived in a 3rd world country and read this, what would you conclude on the amount?
So, just using an easy number – like $1000 per week (but that is a high $25 per hour rate) – you have 4000 per month, and times 4 months yields $16,000. At 750 per month ($18 per hour), you have $3000 per month and 4months = $12,000.
Judas sold Him out only to come to great remorse and commit suicide. Many today with all the glitter of today’s possessions have ‘sold Him out’ for far less. And while, at least for a time, they get to ‘enjoy’ life’s pleasures (at least, American life’s pleasures). Then comes the hurricane and blows it all away. Or perhaps the fires in Los Angels and burn it up. Or…
These type of articles are always disturbing and often produce guilt feelings. The NT speaks a great deal about money/possessions and almost always intending to warn against their addicting ability AND their uselessness in the eternal scheme of things! You must honestly look at yourself and your relationship with such things. Would you be the woman who anointed Jesus with very costly perfume? Would you be the rich young ruler who went away sorrowful for he had much possessions? Would you be the widow who out of great poverty yet shared her money? Would you be like churches of Macedonia who out of great poverty begged to be allowed to share in the collection for the poor saints in Judea? Be careful, very careful, on what you set your heart upon.
Hugh DeLong
