BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 15, 16, MATTHEW 27:1-22
“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that”. Matthew 27:3-4 (KJV).
Judas was blinded by greed and love of money that he could not think deeply of the implications of his actions. He was under such strong influence that he put himself under pressure to ensure the deal worked out. I assume that he never believed that they could arrest and condemn Jesus judging by his track record of miracles, signs and mighty deeds. He just wanted to fool the High priest and Elders and leave them to sort out themselves after he has collected his money.
To his greatest surprise, Jesus yielded to their arrest and he was condemned by Pontius Pilate, the governor. Judas suddenly realized the implications of his actions and regretted his actions. He returned the money admitting that he has betrayed an innocent man but the High Priests and Elders said to him, how does that concern us, go and sort out yourself.
Most times what people call repentance is mere regret for the action because of the consequences not necessarily a genuine conviction that they have hurt God. A thief if caught and sent to prison will regret because of the problem he has caused for himself.
Genuine repentance is not about us or the suffering or shame our sins will bring to us. Genuine repentance is a sincere concern for hurting the one that has loved us with so great love. It is towards God and man who our actions have hurt. If Judas’ repentance was genuine, he would not have gone ahead to commit suicide. Genuine repentance leads to a change of attitude towards God, towards people and towards life in general. Genuine repentance does not lead to more sin but to change.
Prayer: Lord, grant me genuine repentance always towards you and people.
Rev. Vincent Diolu