📖 Scripture:
Matthew 27:4 (ESV):
“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
📜 Background:
As the events of Holy Week unfold, Matthew turns our attention to Judas Iscariot—the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Overcome by remorse, Judas attempts to return the silver he was paid to hand Jesus over. But instead of finding redemption, he is rejected by the chief priests and consumed by guilt. This passage confronts us with the reality of sorrow without repentance and the danger of carrying our burdens alone.
📖 Devotional:
Judas’s story is haunting. He walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and yet chose betrayal. When regret set in, he tried to fix what he had broken. But he went to the wrong place—the religious leaders, not the Savior. His sorrow was real, but it wasn’t redemptive.
This passage invites us to see the difference between worldly sorrow and godly repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Like Judas, we may experience moments of deep regret, but unlike him, we are offered the grace to bring our brokenness to Jesus. Christ died not just for the obviously righteous, but for those who have failed deeply—including us.
In this somber part of Holy Week, we are reminded that even in our darkest failure, the cross stands ready with mercy. Don’t carry guilt alone. Bring it to Jesus.
❓ Reflection:
- Have I ever felt like Judas—overwhelmed by guilt or regret?
- What does this passage teach me about where to take my failures?
- Do I truly believe Jesus offers forgiveness, even when I feel unworthy?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I sometimes try to fix my mistakes on my own, instead of bringing them to You. Help me to come to You with a heart of true repentance, trusting that Your grace is bigger than my guilt. Thank You for dying for all—including the broken, the weak, and the wayward. Lead me in Your mercy. Amen.
🪧 Application:
This Holy Week, reflect on any areas of guilt or shame you’ve held onto. Don’t keep them hidden—bring them to the cross. Confess, receive God’s forgiveness, and walk in the freedom He provides. Consider writing a letter to God, releasing what burdens you, and symbolically laying it at the foot of the cross.
🧭 Takeaway:
Regret may lead us to the edge, but only repentance leads us to the cross. Jesus offers redemption where guilt threatens to consume.
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