Matthew 27:1-10
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As the sun rises on day two of Jesus’ journey to the cross, read Matthew 27:1-10 trying to imagine Judas’ thoughts and emotions.
It would be easy to write Judas off as a completely selfish and evil person, but to do so would be to reduce a complex person, created in the image of God, to one dimension. It would be more beneficial for us to recognize the devastating effects of self-deception that led Judas to betray the only one who could have revealed his better self.
It is difficult to fully recognize our personal motives and agendas and to see how they are shaping our perceptions and actions. Matthew tells us that Judas is actually surprised that Jesus has been sentenced to death. This jarring reality pierces the veil of self-deception and cuts Judas to the heart. He can no longer hide behind the lies he constructed to disguise his greed and ambition, and he can no longer convince himself that his treacherous actions are justified. In the light of absolute truth, he is devastated and hopelessly remorseful.
This is a tragic story, but the truth is that each of us has both the capacity for flagrant self-deception and the opportunity to allow the light of Jesus to reveal our hidden motives and agendas.
Take some time to meditate on these words from this well-known Psalm:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Read Matthew 27:1-10 again with all of this in mind.
Perhaps the religious leaders in this passage are more in touch with their motives than is Judas. They seem to fully understand that Jesus’ guilt or innocence is not the issue at hand, and they are clear that their payment to Judas is blood money. They have chosen to ignore the signs of the Kingdom of God and embrace their power and position instead. It is hard to determine who the most tragic figure in this story is.
For the remainder of your time in meditation today, consider returning to the words of David in Psalm 139 and making them your prayer. Then make space for the Holy Spirit to shine the light of Jesus on any dark corners of your heart revealing any false or misguided motives or agendas that are keeping you from following Jesus fully. Take as long as you need for this.
What specific actions do you sense Jesus inviting you to take today?
Will you?
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