The PassionSample

You would be hard-pressed these days to find someone called Judas. An anti-establishment heavy metal band, perhaps, or you might hear it thrown around when you double-cross someone in a board game. It isn’t very popular to share a similar name with one of history’s infamous traitors, the betrayer of our Lord.

What doesn’t get quite as much mention in history is Judas’ guilt and shame in the aftermath of his betrayal. Judas changes his mind, goes to the chief priests and the elders, and seemingly asks for them to reverse their actions: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4, ESV)

Rather than receiving a sympathetic ear, a swift call to justice, or expressions of grief and repentance, the religious authorities brush Judas off. Not only is there no compassion shown to Judas, they don’t exhibit even a shade of the same remorse that the disgraced disciple felt. Ironically, the religious leaders do recognise the money as unclean for temple use.

Tragically, consumed by his guilt, Judas ends his own life. Even to the bitter end, rather than throw himself in repentance to the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, he chooses to take his fate into his own hands. The fact is that God’s sovereignty means that even a situation as wretched as this can be used for our good and His glory. Indeed, all this had been prophesied to happen, and God uses these events to bring about the salvation of the world.

If you are harbouring guilt and shame in your life, throw yourself at the mercy of Jesus. There is redemption and hope with Him. Is there sin in your heart, recurring and unacknowledged? Bring it into the light! Repent of it. Throw yourself at the foot of the cross. There is mercy and grace, available to us, by Jesus’ blood. Take heart.

Today, ponder this: Take 10 minutes this morning to sit quietly before God and name any guilt or shame you’ve been carrying—write it down, then pray aloud, asking Jesus for forgiveness and healing. Before the day ends, consider sharing one of those burdens with a trusted friend or mentor, inviting accountability and reminding yourself that grace is found in community, not isolation.

**If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm and/or are in crisis, please seek help and speak with somebody that you trust. Support is available.

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