Read Matthew 27:1-5
Don’t WALLOW In Guilt. Give It To Jesus.
Judas, after seeing everything that had been done to Jesus, the beatings and the condemnation, he felt remorse. He regretted doing what he did and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priest and elders. He said to them, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But then he went away and hung himself.
Originally, Judas got caught up in some of the pleasures of the world, especially the Love of Money. At the time it seemed like a great plan to betray Jesus for the money. But once he saw all that was happening to Jesus, the joy and greed he had for the silver was now overshadowed by the guilt of his sin.
Judas was close to Restoration but was once more overcome by the devil.
1. He had remorse for his sin – a deep regret for what he did.
2. He confessed his sin.
3. He even returned the money to the religious leaders.
BUT!!! The guilt he had was great. Actually, guilt can be a positive thing if it reminds us of our need to repent and return to Jesus. It appears that the devil was able to overcome Judas with guilt. The devil loves to put guilt upon us so as to destroy us, even kill us. The devil wants us to die in our guilt. He doesn’t want us to experience the new life that the Lord has for us when we fail and sin.
Judas, had remorse, but there’s no mention of him returning to the Lord. I feel the devil got the victory in his life twice. First when he betrayed Jesus and second when he killed himself. He took his life rather than giving it to the Lord for newness, like Peter did.
Have you ever done anything and later felt guilty about it? Okay, that’s good, but then what did you do?
1. Did you show sincere remorse for your actions?
2. Have you repented of the sin or are you still living in it?
3. Have you confessed your sin to the Lord and asked for forgiveness?
4. Have you let go of the guilt? If you’ve given it to the Lord then there’s no more condemnation (Romans 8:1-4).
This is essential! The Lord doesn’t want us to live in guilt because guilt will keep us from experiencing the new and transformed life God has for us. We will never feel “good enough” for God’s blessings. So quit living in guilt! He wants to forgive and empower you into a new life with value and purpose. Don’t let the devil destroy your mind and kill your body and soul. Choose life! Choose Christ!
