“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. ” [Matthew 26:14-16]
The Treachery of Judas
Then one of the twelve—one of the disciples who had lived with the Lord Jesus, traveled with Him, seen His miracles, heard His incomparable teaching, and witnessed the miracle of a sinless life—one whom Jesus could call “my familiar friend… who ate my bread” (Ps. 41.9)—it was that one who lifted up his heel against the Son o God. Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and agreed to sell his Master for thirty pieces of silver. The priests paid him on the spot—the contemptible total of about fifteen dollars. It is striking to note the contrast between the woman who anointed Jesus at Simon’s home and Judas. She valued the Savior highly. Judas valued Him lightly.
And so the one who had received nothing but kindness from Jesus went out to arrange his part of the dreadful bargain. Realizing his sin in betraying innocent blood, Judas offered the money back to the chief priests and elders. These arch conspirators who had cooperated so eagerly a few hours ago now refused to have any further part in the matter. This is one of the rewards of treachery.
Judas was remorseful, but this was not a godly repentance that leads to salvation. Sorry for the effects which his crime brought on himself, he was yet unwilling to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He could have run to Jesus asking for forgiveness instead of ending his life.
In desperation Judas threw down the pieces of silver in the temple where only the priests could go, then went out and committed suicide. Comparing this narrative with Acts 1:18, we conclude that he hanged himself on a tree, that the rope or branch broke, and that his body was hurled over a precipice, causing it to be disemboweled.
Are you selling your own Savior, like Judas, for some material gain in this fleeting world? Have you repented of your sins at the cross of Jesus, instead of just being filled with guilt and remorse? Ending your own life is not the solution. There is forgiveness in Him who died for your sins. You just need to accept Him into your life as Savior and Lord and surrender yourself to Him!
Judas went away and hanged himself
“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. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. ” Matthew 27:3-5]
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. ” Matthew 27:3-5]
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