March 6th, 2024
Let’s reflect on what occurred to Judas Iscariot in the midst of Jesus’ trails by reading Matthew’s Gospel chapter 27, verses 3 through 10.
A bit of background - Judas was so close to Jesus (one of His disciples, the keeper of the disciples’ treasury), yet He was so far away spiritually. How is this even possible?
Judas, at sunrise, full of remorse for betraying Christ, goes out to hang himself. The Chief Priests decide to buy a potter's field with thirty pieces of silver Judas gave back to them.
This is so sad. 2 Corinthians 7: 10 gives insight into Judas’ remorse for his wrong actions. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.”
Judas demonstrated ‘worldly grief’ for his betrayal of Christ, which led ultimately to his death.
When we fail spiritually, God desires a heart of repentance not remorse. Remorse is what Judas did by handling guilt his way. Repentance is what Simon Peter did after his denials of Jesus; he turned to the Lord in repentance, allowing the Lord to remove his guilt and experience reconciliation.
PAUSE & REFLECT – As you think of recent spiritual struggles in your life, allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with ‘godly grief’ – considering the effect of your sin upon God’s heart and to the hearts of near ones. Lead your heart to turn from sinful actions and experience the forgiving love of Jesus. Fall into the open arms of Jesus!
A bit of background - Judas was so close to Jesus (one of His disciples, the keeper of the disciples’ treasury), yet He was so far away spiritually. How is this even possible?
Judas, at sunrise, full of remorse for betraying Christ, goes out to hang himself. The Chief Priests decide to buy a potter's field with thirty pieces of silver Judas gave back to them.
This is so sad. 2 Corinthians 7: 10 gives insight into Judas’ remorse for his wrong actions. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.”
Judas demonstrated ‘worldly grief’ for his betrayal of Christ, which led ultimately to his death.
When we fail spiritually, God desires a heart of repentance not remorse. Remorse is what Judas did by handling guilt his way. Repentance is what Simon Peter did after his denials of Jesus; he turned to the Lord in repentance, allowing the Lord to remove his guilt and experience reconciliation.
PAUSE & REFLECT – As you think of recent spiritual struggles in your life, allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with ‘godly grief’ – considering the effect of your sin upon God’s heart and to the hearts of near ones. Lead your heart to turn from sinful actions and experience the forgiving love of Jesus. Fall into the open arms of Jesus!
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