Many of us would say, "No." Some of us would not betray a friend no matter the cost. Others would turn on anyone if the price was right. According to the Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. While it is hard to figure out how much money this really was, we do know that it was not a fortune.
The Roman denarius was the most common coin used during Jesus' day. The coin had an imprint of the emperor on it. Thus, the Jews were not allowed to use these coins as part of religious services. The Jews did not recognize the authority of the emperors many of whom claimed to be gods.
Money changers converted these coins into coins made of silver without the emperor on it. One denarius equaled a day's wages of a common laborer. Thus, thirty pieces of silver would be a month's salary.
Judas received this bounty as was predicted in the Book of Zechariah (Zechariah 11:12).
Would you betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver? Many have turned their back on God for far less.
