A Messed Up Scene
The things that come with scandal, lying, and death.
This passage is all of tragic, gross, and messed up beyond belief. Judas’ rejected repentance and subsequent taking of his own life is sad up enough. But then the chief priest’s weird use of the silver, acknowledging what they did to maintain purity is outright whacked (even as an innocent man goes to his death).
Wrestle with Judas’ story. John clearly has no love for Judas in his gospel. But Matthew tells a more tragic story. He felt deep regret. He tried to repent, but his priests offered him no opportunity for forgiveness. What Jesus said about the religious leaders is proven true.
Matthew 27:1-10
Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders of the people reached the decision to have Jesus put to death. They bound him, led him away, and turned him over to Pilate the governor.
When Judas, who betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned to die, he felt deep regret. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and said, “I did wrong because I betrayed an innocent man.”
But they said, “What is that to us? That’s your problem.” Judas threw the silver pieces into the temple and left. Then he went and hanged himself.
The chief priests picked up the silver pieces and said, “According to the Law it’s not right to put this money in the treasury. Since it was used to pay for someone’s life, it’s unclean.” So they decided to use it to buy the potter’s field where strangers could be buried. That’s why that field is called “Field of Blood” to this very day. This fulfilled the words of Jeremiah the prophet: And I took the thirty pieces of silver, the price for the one whose price had been set by some of the Israelites, and I gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for a new day. For light and life and all that’s good. For food and friends and responsibility. Each of these things I offer back to you even as I enjoy them. Bless this day by the presence of your spirit. Feed me with the food that Christ gives. And help me to share it just the same.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.