You Can’t Fix Your Way to Heaven
Read the Text: Matthew 27
Memorize the Text: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Consider the Text: Matthew 27:3-10
Many people attempt to fix situations that become broken. For example, when certain people make others mad, they try to solve the issue and fix it to bring peace to a relationship. The ideology comes from attempting to reverse the effects of a previous decision or activity by offsetting it with another action. Unfortunately, when not cautious, we can try to fix our broken state before the Lord and find favor with him by reversing our course. This method of fixing the problem instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness becomes evident in the life of Judas as he deals with the fallout of his betrayal of Jesus.
The attempt to fix the problem comes from the FEELINGS OF REMORSE. The experience of remorse comes from recognizing one’s guilt, but the refusal or misunderstanding of the need to repent. Remorse comes when we feel guilty, not because of the action we took but from the reality that we experience the shame of being found guilty. Thus, remorse is not repentance. Judas experienced remorse because of his guilty and knowing that his activity was known. He attempts to reverse the course of his betrayal by returning the thirty pieces of silver. Judas dealt with remorse that drove his desire to attempt to fix the situation.
The issue with Judas’ response comes in the attempt to fix the problem instead of SEEKING FORGIVENESS. When Judas approached the Pharisees, he desired to undo the betrayal that had taken place by returning the silver. Unfortunately, the sinful act had already occurred, and no action by Judas could offset the penalty of that sin. The only hope that stood in front of Judas would come from forgiveness found in the one he betrayed. Judas attempted to find peace in the blood money instead of finding peace in the forgiveness that would come in the blood payment of Christ. We, too, must seek forgiveness when we fall short of God’s desire. We must battle against the threat to fix the issue without seeking forgiveness in Christ.
Judas’ return of the money did not appease his soul and drove him to take his own life. This event comes as Judas could not fix his problem and demonstrated that we too CAN’T FIX OUR SIN PROBLEM. Judas’ life teaches several reminders concerning an attempt to fix our life. First, Judas attempt to right his wrong. Though valiant, trying to right a wrong without forgiveness does not address the needed repentance in one’s life. This approach attempts to place one as a personal savior and rescuer in life. Second, Judas tried to save Jesus. He thought that Jesus would be rescued from the hands of the authorities by returning the money. Likewise, we do not need to attempt to fix Jesus because Jesus alone can fix us. Third, Judas attempted to soothe the conscience. His return of the money pointed to an attempt to ease the pain of his betrayal. Often, we try to soften our conscience through good activities that we see as a counterbalance to the negative actions in our life.
Judas’ response to the betrayal of Jesus may seem drastic. However, the reality comes to the forefront when we recognize that we too can fall prey to fixing things in our lives separate from forgiveness. As we look and think about the life of Judas, may we take an honest assessment of our lives and investigate where we need to stop attempting to fix the problem and seek forgiveness and repentance.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
