Matthew 27:1-5

Matthew 27:1-5 (ESV): “3 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, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood•.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.”

Being remorseful over your sin does not move God to forgive and restore you. God desires repentance. That includes confessing our sin, turning away from it, and turning to Him in faith. We are made right with God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and true faith is always accompanied by repentance.

After Jesus was sentenced to death,

Judas regretted betraying Him. He was sorrowful, but he was not repentant. He took the thirty pieces of silver he had been paid back to the religious leaders and confessed, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they were indifferent to Judas’ plight. He threw the money into the temple, fulfilling what had been spoken by the prophet, and then went away and hanged himself. Sin leads to death, but life is given through Christ Jesus our Lord.

How do you respond to your sin? Are you truly grieved that you have sinned against God, or are you only sorry that you got caught? Remorse leads to guilt and shame, but repentance leads to freedom and change. God will not accept anything less than repentance. If you are burdened by guilt and shame today, repent. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. He will forgive you, cleanse you, and set you free. Amen?

Father, what a glorious God You are. You have provided forgiveness and restoration through Your very own Son. I repent of my sin. I turn from it, and I turn to You, O God. Wash me clean and set me free, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.