Remorse

Scripture: Matthew 27:3-10 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” 5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. 6 The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” 7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. 9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says, “They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel, 10 and purchased the potter’s field, as the LORD directed.” (Matthew 27:3–10 NLT)

Judas realized Jesus had been condemned to die. Judas, what did you expect?! Some think Judas hoped his betrayal would prompt Jesus to put on his Superman outfit and clean house; or that Judas hoped there would be a groundswell of support that would start a revolution; or that Judas was disappointed in Jesus and wrote him off; or that Judas was a thief and just wanted the money. Doesn’t matter! It’s done!

Judas, full of remorse, said, “I have sinned!” But he said it to the murderous priests and elders instead of saying it to God!  The priests mocked him, Judas threw the money on the floor, and went out and killed himself. The priests picked up the coins, suddenly got religious again, and said, “We can’t put the money back in the treasury because it’s got innocent blood on it.” (They knew all along that Jesus was innocent but had him killed anyhow!). So they bought a field to bury foreigners in.

For Judas, this was life and death. He was remorseful, but didn’t go to God with sorrow and repentance. He couldn’t get the blood off his hands or the guilt off his soul. Think about if Judas had hung around (no pun intended) and had gone to the cross and asked Jesus’ forgiveness. Think about it! For God’s eternal redemptive plan, this was fulfillment of prophecy, and Matthew wants us to know that. For the priests this was another day at the office. For me, it’s a reminder that remorse won’t cleanse my guilty soul, but repentance and confession to God will.

Prayer:

Father, Forgive us. Sometimes we know what we’re doing and sometimes we don’t, but we know Jesus paid it all. We trust in your love and Jesus’ sacrifice alone. Amen.