This morning we consider a simple question: What is your price? I emphasize the word “your” because I am directing the question to you as a contrast to someone whose price has already been determined. What am I talking about?
Judas’ price was 30 pieces of silver.
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.Matthew 26:14-16
Now you know.
So how much would it take for you to sell out the Lord? You might say “I would never. Not me, no!” And you would sound a lot like Peter.
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Matthew 26:33
Peter is not lying. The Lord looked into the hearts of men throughout His ministry and He never had a problem calling someone out for an untruth. Here He does not scold Peter for dishonesty; being aware of the future, He instead He corrects his mistake…
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Matthew 26:34
Peter truly believes he would never deny Christ, but Jesus knows better. Imagine having to see your best Friend look you in the eye and tell you, with certainty, “tonight you are going to sell me out.”
Now, unlike Judas, Peter’s asking price was not silver but security. He wanted avoid being identified as a friend of Jesus. He was more afraid of the possible threat to his life that he neglected the actual threat to his soul. When asked about Jesus he was afraid to answer. Eventually Peter would mature and be the writer who would encourage Christians to avoid making his mistake:
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:1 Peter 3:13-15
So that’s Peter’s price.
Ananias and Sapphira’s price was some real estate (Acts 5).
Simon’s price was whatever it cost to buy miraculous power (Acts 8)
As Ted DiBiase once quipped: Everybody has a price. What’s yours? What will it take for you to sell out Christ? Whatever it is, know that there is a way to escape every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is a way to repair the damage we do when we do give in and sell Him out. Jesus is the way out and Jesus is the way back. Turn to Jesus and when necessary, turn back to Him too.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
Have a great day!
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