Be. Become. Do. - Day 23
Day 23 - Wednesday, October 11
Read Matthew 26
Highlight
The Gospel accounts do not attempt to describe Judas’ full motivation from deciding to betray Jesus. There are several theories. One is that it was triggered by his anger after being rebuked following Jesus’ anointing (John 12:1-8 records this rebuke). Another is that his name “Iscariot” may have been a transliteration of the Latin sicarius, which was a zealot rebellion movement at the time. This theory holds that Judas was a member of a Jewish sect that wanted to see Rome over-throne but as it became more clear that Jesus was not a Messiah bent on political domination Judas’ disappointment ended in betrayal. This theory is supported by the fact that Jesus uses the anointment to again report his upcoming death when Judas was hoping for reports of conquest and justice.
The thirty pieces of silver are symbolic and connected to a story found in Zechariah 11. Zechariah 11:13 reports that he was given 30 pieces of silver, which he sarcastically calls “the handsome price at which they priced me.” Thirty pieces of silver is the price allotted in the Old Testament for a slave that was accidentally gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32). This agreement between Judas and the Chief Priests reflects how little they thought of Jesus on both sides of the agreement.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 26
Highlight
The Gospel accounts do not attempt to describe Judas’ full motivation from deciding to betray Jesus. There are several theories. One is that it was triggered by his anger after being rebuked following Jesus’ anointing (John 12:1-8 records this rebuke). Another is that his name “Iscariot” may have been a transliteration of the Latin sicarius, which was a zealot rebellion movement at the time. This theory holds that Judas was a member of a Jewish sect that wanted to see Rome over-throne but as it became more clear that Jesus was not a Messiah bent on political domination Judas’ disappointment ended in betrayal. This theory is supported by the fact that Jesus uses the anointment to again report his upcoming death when Judas was hoping for reports of conquest and justice.
The thirty pieces of silver are symbolic and connected to a story found in Zechariah 11. Zechariah 11:13 reports that he was given 30 pieces of silver, which he sarcastically calls “the handsome price at which they priced me.” Thirty pieces of silver is the price allotted in the Old Testament for a slave that was accidentally gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32). This agreement between Judas and the Chief Priests reflects how little they thought of Jesus on both sides of the agreement.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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