A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Saturday, March 11, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 16

Matthew 27:1-5

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

Today we discover the religious leaders arriving at the decision of putting Jesus to death. They tied His hands behind him, led Him as a convicted criminal, and delivered Him to Pilate for His sentencing.

Suddenly Judas is filled with remorse over his actions of betrayal. He quickly returns the thirty coins to the religious leaders. Of course, they had cold and hard hearts, showing no compassion for Judas’ remorse. In dealing with his guilt, Judas, chose the wrong people to repent to. He should have come to the Lord in full repentance, as He turns no one away who willingly seeks Him (John 6:37). Instead, Judas tried to fix his sin on his own terms and then made the decision to end his life. He couldn’t take the heaviness of his remorse.

As sinners, what do you and I do with the heaviness of our remorse and regret? Do we internalize it and share it with others, but not take it to God? Brokenness, confession and repentance with God is where forgiveness and freedom is found.

Are you trying to fix failures on your own terms or are you going to God? Do you have any “go-to” verses that remind you of our how our God forgives when we repent to him? If so, let’s claim them today!

Here’s one to get started-

2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 3 Act of Kindness

“For I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35c

This week, pray about extending an invitation (e.g., for church, dinner, coffee) to someone outside of your family, friends, or “circle."