Matthew Chapter 27
There are many characters in this chapter that we can learn from. We will however cast the spotlight on a notable few for mutual encouragement; first of which is Judas.
We may be curious about the value of thirty pieces of silver in those days and its value in today’s context. (To satisfy our curiosity, according to some scholars, they reckoned it is equivalent to four months’ wages). Thus emphasising on the folly of Judas in betraying Jesus for a paltry sum of money.
If we follow the same line of argument, we may be missing the point as well. It is not how much money is involved, even if Judas betrayed Jesus for 300 pieces of silver, 3000 or even 300,000. The thought of betrayal should never be entertained regardless of the sum of money involved. We know while it is true that the larger the sum of money involved, the larger the temptation will be.
Do we boldly dismiss any thoughts that will arise, to be steadfast and immovable, to choose God over Mammon, not allowing anything to separate us from the love of Christ. If we do waver in our conviction, let us earnestly and fearfully entreat the Lord to strengthen our faith so that no matter what comes, we remain unshakable.
The second person of interest is Pilate. Though he washed his hands and proclaimed that he is innocent of the blood, does it make him less guilty than Judas? I think not. This brings to mind that we may share the same sentiments as Pilate; that so long as we are not seen to be involved, we are absolved of all guilt and responsibilities.
God warns us through prophet Ezekiel (3:18) that He will hold us accountable if we fail to warn the wayward. The apostles stresses on the same message albeit in a more positive approach, that we should seek to correct them (Gal 6:1, 1 John 5:16). Therefore do not hide behind indifference but rather understand and practice the concept of being in one body of Christ.
The third and final group is the people who answered with bravado “let His blood be on us and our children”.
If only they knew, what they have brought upon themelves. When we look at the history of the Jews and the sufferings they undergo, it seemed to be a fulfilment of the careless words uttered; destruction of the temple, persecution and shattering all over the world, some would add the Holocaust and antisemitism.
We may similarly wag our fingers and cry out shame shame, pouring contempt and proclaimed that these people deserved it. We will have missed the point as well.
As Paul highlighted in 1 Cor 10:1-12, these serves as warnings that we must seriously pay heed to, knowing full well that arrogance and ignorance may result in us sharing the same outcome. Paul also pointed out the correct attitude and mindset that we need to have with regards to the original chosen people (Rom 11).
God continues to provide hope for the people, with regards to election, they are still the beloved, despite all that they have done. There remains a remnant that God had kept for Himself. We who are gentiles and outside the grace of God, should recognise the blessings that came our way because of their disobedience. That we had a chance to be grafted in because the part of the original was broken off. Hence as verse 22 and 25 highlighted, let us with fear and thanksgiving hold fast the grace and mercy that we undeservingly received.
While the prodigal son remains wayward and lost, it is not a time to gloat, standoffish or reject, but rather share the same heart as our Father, who pines longingly for the lost to come to their senses and to return. We do not and should not condone their actions but we leave all things into the hands of God. We defer all judgment and thus submit to the sovereignty of God’s wisdom and knowledge, acknowledging that His judgments are unsearchable and inscrutable His ways.
