READING: Leviticus 5-7, Matthew 26:57-27:10
I cannot imagine what it must have been like for him. Judas, I suspect, thought that by betraying Jesus he would force the Lord’s hand. If Jesus had come to free the Hebrews from Rome and re-establish the political kingdom of Israel, surely He would take that step if arrest were the only other option – so Judas pushed the situation in that direction. What he didn’t expect was that Jesus fully intended to die. Despite the agony of doing so, He would fulfill the will of the Father.
Seeing that Jesus would be condemned, Judas “was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders” (Matt. 27:3). His grief, though, doesn’t appear to have been genuine repentance, for his only answer was to take his life. His actions brought him nothing more than some silver pieces and sure separation from the other disciples who loved Jesus. Guilt and fear, rather than heartfelt repentance, must have grabbed his heart.
Today, I pray that my response to my sin—to my rebellion against my Creator and Redeemer—would be much more than mere regret. I pray it will be brokenness that casts me to the feet of Jesus.
PRAYER: “God, change my heart so I will truly turn from my sin.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Leviticus 8-9, Matthew 27:11-31