In the first light of dawn, all the high priests and religious leaders met and put the finishing touches on their plot to kill Jesus. Then they tied him up and paraded him to Pilate, the governor. Judas, the one who betrayed him, realized that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests, saying, “I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.” They said, “What do we care? That’s your problem!” Judas threw the silver coins into the Temple and left. Then he went out and hung himself. 

I really don’t think Judas thought it would end the way it did. Looking back to the Last Supper, Matthew 26:29 Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” – Jesus said, “Don’t play games with me, Judas.” -Matthew 27:1-5

Part of me really believes that Judas just wanted to give Jesus a little push – to become the conquering King – to stop the oppression by the Romans. Also, being a money monger, he was tired of Jesus’ unconcern for all things financial. I honestly don’t think he was being coy with Him at the Last Supper either, and I say this because of my human experience. 

Ever taken control of a situation that you later wish you wouldn’t have? But at the time, you were completely unaware that you were being deceived? If you answer ‘no’ to this, then all I can say is there will come a day when your answer will change to ‘yes’. Because every day that we live and every choice that we make based on fear or jealously or selfish gain or gluttony or conceit – every choice we make that isn’t ran through the ‘Eternal’ lens – we will find one day that we were deceived. The eternal lens – the Lens of God’s Glory – is the only Truth. 

Jesus was given every opportunity and tempted to take control ‘earth style’. Yet He didn’t – instead He allowed His perfect release of self to unite Him fully to the father. We are asked to do the same. Don’t take the bait. Let Him be enough. Let Him remain in control. Let Him be the conqueror of our Heart, Mind, Soul, and Body. 

I’m going to post the scripture that follows Judas’ revelation just because it is a humbling example of our human reason.

The high priests picked up the silver pieces, but then didn’t know what to do with them. “It wouldn’t be right to give this—a payment for murder!—as an offering in the Temple.” They decided to get rid of it by buying the “Potter’s Field” and use it as a burial place for the homeless. That’s how the field got called “Murder Meadow,” a name that has stuck to this day. Then Jeremiah’s words became history: They took the thirty silver pieces, The price of the one priced by some sons of Israel, And they purchased the potter’s field. And so they unwittingly followed the divine instructions to the letter. -Matthew‬ ‭27:6-10‬ (msg)

I’m not trying to be a downer, but don’t think for one minute we don’t do the same or have the potential without His Spirit – Ever made the comment, “well at least it’s not as bad as…” fill in the blank. We make concession for our wickedness. We do what we know is not Good, simple as that. And it truly is that simple. 

But! When we choose that simple, we are led into Life, Full and Simple, Complete, Good, in Him who created Life. Ask Him into all the details of Life; it all matters. Godspeed.

Pond skating video. We cleared off some ice. The temperatures have been incredible this week. 🙂