Those on Their Own

Scripture: When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? You must see to that.” So he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed. And he went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5

Observation: When Judas attempts to undo his betrayal by returning the money, the priests give an interesting response. Effectively, in Judas' request for forgiveness, they respond that his forgiveness is none of their business, but that Judas must reconcile the issue of his sin on his own. Judas' response to this, of course, is suicide, rather than observing any Jewish law or process for sanctification.

In his mind, Judas had no other way to get forgiveness. It is just as interesting, however, to note that the priests also had no idea about how to intervene for his forgiveness. This was their job! Jewish priests worked in the temple, whose primary "business" function if you will was the industry of forgiveness through sacrifice. By law there were animal, grain, food, and drink offerings spelled out clearly for forgiveness of sin, reconciliation of lives, friendship with God, and cleansing of self. In this first century time, monetary offerings for equivalent value were acceptable. By their own law, the priests had a half dozen ways to intervene for and/or with Judas ... yet they declared nothing was possible ... Judas had to work things out between God and himself all on his own.

Application: Even before he was crucified, Jesus completely changed the dynamic between mankind and God. At one time, mankind could not really resolve their sins against God, but could become ceremonial ... okay. However, once Jesus entered the picture, that ended. Now mankind can be made pure, but it is only through Jesus. Otherwise, we must work out our relationship with God on our own ... and there is no way to do that.

I once saw a pastor state this exact thing. He stated belief Jesus was the way to a relationship with God, and anyone who didn't have that belief would "have to work out their relationship with God on their own." This issue was first exemplified with Judas. Judas is left with one clear choice - reconcile with Jesus, or find some other way back to God. Having betrayed Jesus, he couldn't figure out how to reconcile, but he knew there was no other way.

Since everyone around me has heard of Jesus, for them I know there too is no other way. The choice is, in fact, black or white. The choice is a) believe in Jesus, or b) find another way for yourself. SO many seek that other "way" and find it empty and devoid, unfulfilling in the present and hopeless in the future. As Judas quickly saw, that other way - working out your relationship with God on your own without Jesus - is called 'death'.

Prayer: Lord, the people I truly interact with fall into three categories. There are believers, there are seekers, and there are those completely on their own and seeking their own way. I do pray for seekers like Don, who are trying to figure out Jesus. They are realizing that seeing to their issues for themselves doesn't work. But Lord, I know and care about way too many rejecters. They are far down the dark and lonely paths of working out life on their own, searching for joy they will never find. And I have learned I cannot go down that path and bring them back. Please Lord. Please. Go get them. Amen, and amen.