Scripture to Read: Mathew 27:1–10
We know our Lord Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of His original disciples. It is hard to imagine someone spending three years with our Lord and missing Christ as King of all kings and Lord of all lords, but people still do the same thing today. Every week, all over this country, people attend worship services and leave unchanged, having missed Christ completely. As we read Matthew 27:1–10, we read how the chief priests and elders missed who Christ was and were in agreement to put Jesus to death. We also read how Judas felt remorse for his decision to betray Jesus. But Judas did not repent; he just felt remorse, so he returned the thirty pieces of silver. The chief priests and elders wanted nothing to do with Judas or the thirty pieces of silver. So, what seemed like the right decision the night before now was the worst decision ever. When sin has run its course, it always results in death (James 1:14–15). Judas’s sin brought death to him because he realized that the thirty pieces of silver, which seemed like something important in his life, was now nothing to him at all. So, Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver into the temple and left with nothing, including being dead in his sin. The death that comes from sin affects us all. When we give in to our fleshly desires, choosing not to submit to the Holy Spirit in us, we reap the consequences of our sinful choices. We must not miss Christ but pursue our intimacy with Him to grow in Him.
Challenge & Application
· Why do people continue to miss who Christ is, even when they choose to go to a place of worship each week?
· What worldly/fleshly desire do you need to crucify to be completely submitted to God’s Spirit in you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!