Matthew 27:1-5
Among the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day there was common unbelief and rejection of Jesus because He claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God, Who would ultimately fulfill our need for salvation. This teaching did not sit well with the Jewish leaders; they felt that their position and authority were under attack. In chapter 26 Jesus has been betrayed and arrested; the religious leaders held a sham overnight trial, making a mockery of Jesus, and Peter denied Him three times.
The overnight trial was wrong so when morning came all the religious leaders, acting hastily, conspired against Jesus to put Him to death (v.1). They bound Him and handed Him over to Pontius Pilate the governor (v.2). The one who betrayed Jesus was Judas Iscariot, one of His twelve disciples (Matt. 26:14). Judas, realizing that Jesus had been condemned to death, regretted his actions and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders (v.3), saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it” (v.4)! Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed and went and hanged himself (v.5).
What a change of attitude these religious leaders had! They plotted with Judas to betray Jesus and now showed no concern for his confession of feeling guilty for the actions he took. Brothers and Sisters, there are consequences of sin; Judas couldn’t forgive himself so, he hung himself. Scripture warns us that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices; he will take advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:11 paraphrased).
Lift your voice and give God glory for His Resurrection in your life!