Jesus’ Life: Chapter 18 – The Passion And Death Of Jesus
Time: Good Friday: – Before Jesus’ Crucifixion
At the time of Judas’ departure from the Upper Room to betray Jesus, Jesus said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born”. (Mark 14:21)
In the Garden of Gesthemene, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and watched the guards take Him off to Caiaphas’ Palace for trial. Judas had fulfilled his part of the agreement with the Chief Priests and in return, he received thirty pieces of silver.
However, after hearing of the outcome of Jesus’ trial namely, the Sanhedrin had condemned Him to death, Judas was overwhelmed with regret and remorse. He returned to the Chief Priests and Elders saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!”
The Chief Priests and Elders were unmoved. They replied, “What is that to us? You take care of it yourself!” A distraught Judas threw the silver coins into the temple, left the area and hanged himself.
The Chief Priests used the silver coins to buy a Potter’s Field, a place for the burial of foreigners, also known as the “Field of Blood”. In this way, the words of Jeremiah the prophet were fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price of the one whose price had been set by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me”. (Matthew 27:3-10)
Thought
Is it possible Judas thought Jesus would miraculously save himself from the sentence the Sanhedrin demanded thus avoiding crucifixion?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, I repent for having offended you, for the torment and pain that I have caused you. Forgive me my sins, Lord.
Prayer: Before a Crucifix
Behold, O Kind and Most Sweet Jesus,
I fall upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul,
I pray and beseech Thee
to impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity,
with true repentance for my sins,
and a firm desire of amendment.
Whilst with deep affection and grief of soul,
I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate
Thy five most precious wounds,
having before my eyes that which David the prophet spoke,
O Good Jesus: “They have pierced my hands and feet,
they have numbered all my bones.” Amen.
