In each of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each give an account of Jesus life, His betrayal, His death, and His resurrection. Now each of these accounts names Judas Iscariot as Jesus’ betrayer, that he did so for thirty pieces of silver from the Chief Priests and Scribes, and that upon seeing Jesus condemned, he tries to return the silver to them.
This is a very revealing and interesting part of scripture that is often glazed over or overlooked. Judas comes sad and ashamed for what he did, that he ‘betrayed innocent blood’ and that he is wanting to make things right or even repent for what he did. Not only did Judas go to the people who he sinned with, but at the same time, he went to the Chief priests the scribes… These are the rulers of the people of Israel. These are the ones that lead people into the presence of God. These are the men who stand between God and man, and make intercession and sacrifices for the covering over of sins.
Yet these are the same men who also wanted to kill Jesus because of many reasons, including that He did not fear them, submit to them, and even called them on their sinful behaviors. And their response to Judas is ‘what is this to us?’. Or in other words, that is not our problem that you sinned, we cannot help you – we won’t help you, and we will not intercede or sacrifice any animals for you. You are on your own.
If this was their attitude, think about it for a minute. To the Jews In Israel there is not one else to stand between Judas and God, he is condemned and doomed to death. Judas missed the point of what Jesus was teaching, that He is the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the One to stand between God and man interceding.
While Judas feels condemned for his actions and is preparing to kill himself because he feels he has no way out, the Man he spent years with, who is his only true answer to forgiveness is being crucified. So if Judas felt remorse enough that he would have returned to Jesus and asked Him for forgiveness, he, like the other disciples did not understand what Jesus had told them ahead of time – that He would rise from the dead.
Thus Judas and Peter are actually in very similar situations. Judas betrayed Jesus, but Peter did as well. Yet Peter did not choose the same path that Judas did. In his despair and realization from a Jewish perspective, that there was no way to be forgiven by God, Judas chooses to end his life. Judas missed the point of what Jesus was doing, and that he too could have received forgiveness as Peter had.
So do not thing that you have done something that Jesus will not forgive you for. He died for all sins, including yours. All you have to do is ask Jesus into your heart and give a him your life. It is as simple as saying “Jesus, I give you all I am, and ask You to forgive me for my sins. I repent of them, and choose to follow after you instead.”
Let’s not expect to be perfect, but let’s be real for Him.