Matthew 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.
A friend once posited the idea that maybe Judas betrayed Jesus to try to bring about Jesus’s reign faster, to force Him into action. Commentary dismisses that theory, but verse 3 makes me wonder. It’s like Judas is surprised that Jesus is condemned. Maybe Judas thought Jesus, as Messiah, would put a military plan into action. How many times have I acted because I thought I understood how something was going to play out?
Matthew 27:22-23 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
The crowd here, falling over themselves a week ago to welcome Jesus, are again acting in mob mentality, yelling “Crucify Him!,” not caring that Jesus is guilty of no crime. And Pilate, who has the authority to stop the madness, literally washes his hands of the situation, after pronouncing Jesus innocent. Father, Forgive us.
Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
Precious Savior, I see my guilt reflected in these three scenarios. Like Judas, I am guilty of trying to force You to act on my timetable instead of Your own. Like the crowd, I am guilty of getting caught up in the emotions of this world and of going along with what everyone else is doing. Like Pilate, I am guilty of being able to act on behalf of the innocent yet washing my hands and walking away. Forgive me, Father. Forgive me. Amen.
Matthew 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Have a blessed day.