The greed of Judas led him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver some 2,000 years ago today. In this Rembrandt entitled, “Judas Repentent, Returning the Pieces of Silver,” gaze into the image and take time to reflect on your own life: Has greed led you to sin for which you need to repent? Are you like the corrupt religious leaders who will use money to control situations?
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14-16
Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:1-5
Painting: Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669).