The Calculation of Judas

About this episode

This episode explores the themes of betrayal and the value of Jesus through the lens of Judas Iscariot's actions.

A meditation preached at Kintore College, Toronto on April 1, 2026, Wednesday of Holy Week. Matt 26:14-25: One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on, he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. What are you willing to give me? That was Judas’ calculation: How much is Jesus worth? He is asking them: How much is he worth to you, so that I make this be profitable, he is saying… He was not even sure how seriously they would take him. This question, What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?, came from Judas, but it can also come from Jesus himself to us. He says to us: How much are you willing to give me? How much time, all your dedication, your reputation, your future plans, your time, your comfort… Thumbnail: Rembrandt, Judas Returning the Thirty Pieces of Silver, circa 1629, at the Morgan Library & Museum, New York. Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

People in this episode

Host: Eric Nicolai

Topics covered

• meditation
• Holy Week
• betrayal
• value of Jesus
• sacrifice

Keywords

• Judas Iscariot
• Holy Week
• meditation
• betrayal
• thirty pieces of silver

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kintore College, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Books & works: Rembrandt, Judas Returning the Thirty Pieces of Silver

Places: Toronto

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