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.
Have you ever been so focused on something—doing something, having something—that you didn’t fully appreciate the consequences? Matthew 26:16 says that from the time Judas agreed to betray Jesus, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. He was so focused on what he was planning to do that it doesn’t seem he fully considered the consequences.
Matthew 27:4a “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
But Jesus does. He even says, at the moment of Judas’s betrayal, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Friend…One more reminder of who Judas is called to be in Christ, a reminder he didn’t heed until it was too late to turn back.
Matthew 27:4b “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
Lord, In the moment of his betrayal, You call Judas friend, You strive to remind him of who he is in You. But he doesn’t listen until it’s too late. I am just as guilty of betraying You in so many ways. Help me to hear Your voice, help me heed Your reminder of who I am in You, who You call me to be. Help me seek You always. Thank You for Your mercy and compassion. Amen.
Matthew 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Have a blessed day.