“When Judas … saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins …. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’”
Matthew 27:3-4
Judas has to be one of the most pitiful of the Easter characters. We see in him the middle of the mysterious but very real tension between God’s sovereignty and man’s will. Peter told his listeners that what happened was exactly according to God’s plan and also was the result of lawless people nailing Him to the cross (see Acts 2:23).
We know Judas felt remorse for what he had done. But what he never realized is that when he took his own life, his blood didn’t have to soak an empty field. Instead, he could have found atonement in the blood of another, the One whom he betrayed. He could have turned to Jesus and found forgiveness of his sin. We know this is so because we see what happened when Jesus restored Peter for denying Him.
This Easter, it’s helpful for us to remember that we are like Judas, betraying Jesus time and time again. We do not suffer Judas’ fate because we know that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Rejoice in that promise!
We know Judas felt remorse for what he had done. But what he never realized is that when he took his own life, his blood didn’t have to soak an empty field. Instead, he could have found atonement in the blood of another, the One whom he betrayed. He could have turned to Jesus and found forgiveness of his sin. We know this is so because we see what happened when Jesus restored Peter for denying Him.
This Easter, it’s helpful for us to remember that we are like Judas, betraying Jesus time and time again. We do not suffer Judas’ fate because we know that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Rejoice in that promise!
Scripture Focus
Matthew 27:1-10
Insight
Judas chose to follow Satan. Like the prodigal son, he could have found forgiveness from the Father. He could have come home. Come home to Jesus today!
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 17-18
- Psalm 70
- John 11
