Wednesday was the calm before the storm. Jesus continued to teach in the Temple and a few preparations were made for the Passover, but the day was uneventful otherwise. The Last Supper, the washing of the disciples feet, the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus … all tomorrow. On the surface, Wednesday was quiet.
Of course, it was not quiet at all. Evil men were plotting. The Sanhedrin wanted Jesus dead. The Pharisees agreed. Somebody went to the bank and pulled out some extra cash, thirty pieces of silver, just in case the opportunity for a well placed bribe developed.
Shekels of Tyre, the currency of Jerusalem during the time of Christ
The next day it did. Judas took the thirty pieces and betrayed Jesus.
Judas had visions of his own that conflicted with God’s plan for redemption. After Jesus was crucified, he disgustedly threw the coins back at the Pharisees. They picked up the silver and used the funds to purchase a plot of land, which became a graveyard.
Historians and scholars believe they know exactly the type of coin that Judas received. Early in my real estate career I purchased one of these coins, which are fairly common and easy to get. I framed it and have had it in my office for over two decades. It is mounted on the wall to the left of my desk. It is usually the first thing one sees when entering my office.
My office, with the silver coin on the wall to the left
It is there as a reminder. Judas was seduced by power. The coin reminds me that the seduction of wealth and power leads to death.
When I began my career at Goble Properties, I wanted to always remember that the money used to betray Jesus eventually became a real estate investment. I know, that sounds silly and trite, but it is still true.
So that coin will always be on my office wall. A reminder that there are powers plotting evil, and it is easy to be seduced by wealth.