Look Where It Got Him

When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. [Matthew 27.3-5]

It would appear from the context of the passage above that Judas knew he was, in fact, betraying Jesus. However, it also appears he did not think they would actually condemn Jesus to death.

Many of us would quickly say, "I would never have condemned Jesus to death!" But how many of us would say, "I need the money, and besides, all this religion stuff is confusing." Or, "If it comes down to eating or following Jesus, I have to feed my family..."

"Besides, they'll probably just slap Him around a bit and let Him go..."

"I know it's not an ideal situation for my relationship with Jesus, but He knows I need the money."

Perhaps Judas had indeed heard Jesus say He would be crucified, but really didn't believe it would happen. This reminds me of what Satan said in the Garden to Eve, "Has God really said...?"

When we doubt, even just a little bit, the consequences can be devastating. For Judas, that was very much the case. Self-centeredness, no matter how much only a simple "guilty pleasure," is extremely dangerous.

I find it not ironic that Judas was not with Jesus after the Last Supper in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. Judas was a follower, just not a dedicated follower. And look where it got him.

Father, help me to see that a pick-and-choose devotion to You is really no devotion at all and ultimately has devastating consequences.