Let The Bible Speak

30 Pieces of Silver

If dying for a friend is the highest expression of human love, then how horrible must it be for a man to betray his friend. Yet, this is what Judas did to Jesus with a kiss in the garden (Mark 14:45). this despicable action by a “friend” who was a traitor provides an excellent case study in fulfilled prophecy.  It is also one of the many pieces of evidence which supports the truth that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the promised Messiah.  One thousand years before Christ’s birth, David wrote one of these prophecies:  “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).  Jesus applied this prophecy to Himself in John 13:18.  One of the Lord’s closest friends was about to betray Him.  Jesus said, “It is he whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.  And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon” (John 13:26).

Many men are betrayed by friends, but the very price of Jesus’ betrayal was foretold many years in advance!  Zechariah gave another prophecy concerning this some 500 years before Christ’s birth.  Notice:  “And the Lord said to me, Throw it to the Potter—that princely price they set on me.  So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the Potter” (Zechariah 11:13).  It is a matter of history that: (a) The Jews set a price of thirty pieces of silver on Jesus’ head, (b) Judas threw the money down on the temple floor, and (c) the money was then given to a potter for his field (Matthew 27:3-8).  These things actually took place in approximately AD 33.

How did these predictions get fulfilled?  Was it a coincidence?  Was it an accident?  The only reasonable answer is that God said it before it happened.  Not only does this provide proof of the Bible’s divine origin but it also reveals that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world!  Give Jesus your life today.  You’ll be so glad you did!

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