This was Judas in the life of Christ who sold him out for a mere 30 pieces of silver. Back then that was the price paid for a slave. Yes, the SAVIOR of humanity sold for the bare minimum. Wow.
We all have a Judas in our life and some of us know who it is. What sets our Lord apart from the rest of us is He did not react to people, He related to them! Jesus knew all along the character of Judas Iscariot. He knew this man intended to betray Him; He knew he was stealing from the money bag; He knew of his lack of dedication and love. But Jesus never wavered in His love for this wayward disciple. In displaying mercy and compassion, He gave Judas what he needed rather than what he deserved. It is so easy to simply react to people, especially when they hurt or wrong us. The challenge is to love them in spite of and let God handle the rest. You see, later that Judas was so distressed over the outcome of his actions that he gave the money away "hanged himself." Acts 1:18 states "falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out."
The cost of his burial was covered by the very same 30 pieces of silver he had previously taken as his price selling out Jesus. "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, 'Amen'" [Deut. 27:25].
Blessings, Lady Monica