The question that Judas asked the Chief Priests when betraying Christ reveals to us the true character of a pseudo-disciple. "What will you give me for him..." (Matthew 26:15) are the words of someone who is selfish and self-seeking, exposing an utter contempt for the One he had followed for three years. As a simple reading of the Gospels will tell you, this attitude was the very antithesis of the spirit Christ displayed during His earthly ministry. Repeatedly, Jesus can be found helping and caring for those that were the outcasts of society and those with whom no one else even dared to associate. He was never concerned with what others could do for Him because He was always focused on what He could do for others. It is impossible to mistake Christ's life, ministry, death, or resurrection as a selfish, narcissistic existence. Consequently, it baffles the mind how Judas could have stooped so low and been filled with so much hatred that he would seek his own personal gain while betraying the One that had gone about doing nothing but good (Acts 10:38).
This Easter season we need to ask ourselves how we intend on leading our lives. Is our spirit going to reflect that of Judas more than that of Jesus? Are we going to give ourselves away to others or live for our own selfish interests? Will our money be primarily for personal pleasures or will we use it for the cause of Christ? It's hard to imagine how Judas could be so concerned with what his remuneration would be while performing the most ignoble act of betrayal in human history. But, his greed did not bring him satisfaction, nor will it ever satisfy those who follow its self-absorbed ideals. True happiness comes in giving, not receiving (Acts 20:35).
