Matthew 27:1-10 Judas Hangs Himself

Did Judas repent? Not at all. The word used in this passage ("metamellomai") is different from the word used for true repentance ("metanoeo") that implies conversion and forgiveness of sins. The ESV translates "changed his mind" and it can also imply regret and even sorrow, but it is not to be stretched to mean genuine repentance. The return of the thirty pieces of silver show that Judas realized that what he did would cost Jesus his life and he wanted to withdraw, but it was too late. Jesus was marked for death and they were taking him before Pilate to ask for execution.

Another compelling evidence for Judas' unrepentant heart is the way in which he deals with his guilt-ridden conscience. He hangs himself. Godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation. Worldly grief leads to death (2Cor.7:10). Self-destruction is not an unpardonable sin, but it is nonetheless a sin. In those days, there were two types of hanging: one by crucifixion, and the other by impalement with a sharpened stake. Judas threw himself over a large sharp stake. The picture of using a rope to hang from a tree is unlikely. 

Suicide is not the answer to my problems. Paul weighed the pros and cons of being with the Lord vs. remaining on earth and concluded that it is very important to remain faithful to the Lord in his service in the here and now. The promises of a better future may be enticing. Why remain in the flesh suffering when I can enjoy bliss after death? There are many arguments against suicide, but the bottom line is this: God is the Creator. He determines the end of my days. Paul is very clear in 1Cor.3:16-17. I belong to him and only He has the right to determine the length of my life.

The hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders is so evident in their unwillingness to take the money into the treasury of the temple because it was "blood money." Yet, they were willing to minister in the temple though they had plotted murder against an innocent man. The money was used to buy a potter's field used as a cemetery for strangers and it was called "Field of Blood." The money used to betray Jesus was used to care for the bodies of strangers who could not afford a plot of their own. Everything about the life of Jesus resulted in the benefit of others, especially those who were disadvantaged.

Lord, give me great respect for life. May I never try to take your place to decide when and how to end my life. May suffering and pain motivate me to seek you more and lead me to genuine repentance unto salvation. Protect me from worldly grief that leads to death.