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Thirty Pieces of Silver or Your Supreme Treasure: What Is Jesus Really Worth to You?

Judas traded Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. A Lenten reflection asks whether modern Christians are doing the same with subtler compromises.

Michael Ringer

Michael Ringer

— 2 min read
Silver coins scattered on a dark surface with one coin standing upright, evoking the biblical thirty pieces of silver paid for the betrayal of Jesus

What Is Jesus Worth to You? The Lenten Question Every Christian Must Answer

In a powerful Lenten reflection published on March 11, 2026, Christian Today columnist Obianuju Mbah posed a question that cuts to the heart of every believer's faith: how much do we truly value Jesus Christ?

Drawing from the account of Judas Iscariot's betrayal, Mbah reminded readers that thirty pieces of silver was not even a fortune. It was the exact price paid under Old Testament law to compensate a master whose slave was gored by an ox. Yet this was the sum for which Judas handed over the Son of God.

But the article's sharpest edge was not aimed at Judas. It was aimed at every modern Christian who has allowed Jesus to drift from the centre of their life to somewhere on the margins.

Rather than asking 'How could Judas?' the more uncomfortable question is 'How do we?'

Mbah argued that the drift rarely happens in one dramatic moment. Instead, believers gradually lower Christ's value when He does not meet their expectations or when obedience becomes costly. She identified the subtle trades Christians make every day: exchanging Jesus for approval, money, status, control, and pleasure.

The author emphasized the incomparable worth of Christ, writing that Jesus is the Son of God and the Creator, worth infinitely more than any earthly possession or pursuit. If believers truly saw His holiness, beauty, mercy, authority, and love displayed at the cross, they would never consider selling Him cheaply.

Judas Sold Jesus for Pennies. Are Modern Christians Doing the Same?

Silhouette of a crucifix on a mountaintop against a dramatic sunset sky with golden light breaking through clouds

Mbah concluded with a message of hope rooted in the story of the Apostle Peter. Just as Peter denied Christ three times yet was restored through repentance, the same grace remains available to every believer today.

She called Lent an invitation to examine hearts, not to condemn, but to realign priorities. When Jesus becomes a Christian's true treasure, she wrote, obedience stops feeling like loss. It becomes joy.

The Crusader's Opinion

This article is a mirror, and most of us will not like what we see. We live in a world that tells Christians to keep quiet, stay comfortable, and never let faith cost you anything. But Jesus never promised comfort. He promised a cross. Thirty pieces of silver was an insult then, and we are still insulting Him now every time we choose the world's approval over His Word. Lent is not just a season. It is a wake up call. Stop trading the King of Kings for things that will rot in the ground.

Take Action

  • Read the full reflection by Obianuju Mbah at Christian Today and share it with your church group this Lent.
  • Commit to a daily Lenten devotional practice. Start with 10 minutes of prayer and Scripture reading each morning focused on the value of Christ.
  • Support persecuted Christians who are paying a real price for their faith. Donate at The Shepherd's Shield or Open Doors USA.
  • Have the uncomfortable conversation with a fellow believer this week: where has Jesus drifted to the margins in your life?
  • Share this article on social media and challenge your friends to answer the question: What is Jesus worth to you?
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