THE
Betrayal JUDAS PREPARED
DAY 2
WHAT YOU’RE WORTH TODAY’S READING: ZEC HA R I A H 11: 4 – 13
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aitlin blogged about the depression she battled after fighting off an assault. The emotional violence had cut her deeper than the physical struggle with her attacker. She felt it proved “how undesirable I was. I was not the kind of girl you wanted to get to know.” She felt unworthy of love; like she was the kind of person others use and then throw away. God truly understands. He lovingly looked after His people Israel, but when He asked them what He was worth, “they paid me thirty pieces of silver” (ZECHARIAH 11:12). This was the price of a slave; what masters had to be given if their slave was accidentally killed (EXODUS 21:32). God was insulted to be offered the lowest possible value—“[look at] the handsome price at which they valued me!” He said sarcastically (ZECHARIAH 11:13). And He had Zechariah
THE Lord SAID TO ME, “THROW IT TO THE POTTER!” ZECHARIAH 11:13 throw the money away. Jesus truly understands. He was betrayed by Judas, one of His friends. But more than that, the Jewish leaders so hated Him that they only offered Judas thirty pieces of silver—the lowest price you could put on a person—and he took it (MATTHEW 26:14–15; 27:9). Judas thought so little of Jesus he sold Him for nearly nothing. If people undervalued Jesus, don’t be surprised when they undervalue you. Your value isn’t what others say. It’s not even what you say. It’s entirely and only what God says. He says you are worth dying for. o MIKE WITTMER
Where do you turn to find value and worth? Things are worth what somebody is willing to pay for them; how does Jesus’ death help you think about yourself according to God’s point of view?
Dear God, please remind me just how much You love me. You sent Your Son to die in my place and make me Your own child. Help me remember this is my true identity and value. 9
