Financial Discipleship – the Bible on BribesSample

Turning back to Jesus’ final days on this earth, remember the role that bribery played. How so? Judas.

As one of Christ’s 12 disciples, Judas Iscariot spent a lot of time with Jesus. He followed Jesus, fellowshipped with Him, and shared the Last Supper with Him. So, how could it be that, after spending so much time in proximity with our Savior, Judas could even think to betray Him with a kiss?

No one can say for sure, of course, but Judas would have likely stayed loyal to Jesus if it weren’t for Satan and the priests offering him 30 pieces of silver. But before and after this betrayal, Jesus—having served, loved, and performed miracles on others—was vilified (Isaiah 5:23). And Judas’ guilt consumed him when it was all said and done (Deuteronomy 27:25; Ezekiel 22:12-15).

This isn’t to say Jesus’ crucifixion would have never happened had Judas not been offered silver in exchange for leading the Romans to Him. God sent His Son here to rebuild our connection to Him. To give us another chance for salvation. So, His death and resurrection were necessary. But Judas knew Christ. He spent time with Him. He learned from Him. He watched Him. He broke bread with Him. And the only explanation for his betrayal is bribery and Satan.

“A bribe blinds the discerning,” it says in Exodus 23:8. What’s clear and unconscionable without the presence of a bribe becomes unrecognizable once it’s placed in front of your eyes.

Let us use Judas’ actions as a lesson. Even when we know the truth, once we entertain a bribe, our eyes will no longer see it. At that point, we are blinded by greed.

(excerpt taken from The Bible on Money, Compass-finances God's way, 2022)