* The Big 3-0

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 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. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Matthew 26:14-16 NKJV

In terms of where I was on the timeline of my life, "the Big 3-0" was the worst birthday I ever had. Most young people dread it. They see it as the end to what they believe is their carefree time of life. And yet, Jesus' ministry didn't start until He reached the Big 3-0. Interesting...

And three-and-a-half short, yet power-packed years later, Jesus hits a different Big 3-0. It is the Wednesday of Holy Week, and the day that Judas sought to betray Jesus. One translation reads Judas "covenanted with" the priests for thirty pieces of silver. I found that to be very interesting given that the only way out of a covenant was death. Thirty pieces of silver. The price of about a month's wages, according to some. The price of betrayal, according to ALL.

Most of us have been betrayed at one time or another. It's especially hurtful when it's a family member or trusted friend AND it usually comes as a great shock to us. Wouldn't you agree?  However, Jesus - who knew Judas would be His betrayer - knelt before Judas and washed his feet, and sat at the dinner table with him and shared a meal. Loving in anticipation of it. Loving in the execution of it. Love poured out to cover the multitude of sins.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your plan of salvation. Thank You for the redemption from our sin-soaked lives. Cause us to be ever mindful that apart from Your grace and mercy, we don't have a prayer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen