This chapter is about a "decision" that caused multiple deaths.
Jesus was sinned against and his character and reputation diminished because of a decision a man made without thinking or praying about it. For a few pieces of silve, a man forgot what he had seen Jesus do for people. Judas put himself first and did not think of what his actions would ultimately lead to.
Have you ever known someone that didn't think about the future of others by doing right in their own mind? I wonder if that person realized later the destruction spiritually, mentally and maybe even physically they caused.
I see Judas as a man that when it was time to make a decision to do what was right or wrong made the easy decision to go along with the easy way so that he didn't have to stand for anything and gave up on his friends and brethren and fellow disciples. What a selfish person.
Judas' decision to betray ultimately lead to his suicide and the very silver he wanted and desired so badly became of such low value and tarnished that all that could be purchased with it was a field for broken vessels of flesh and clay that could never be used again.
Then Jesus was brought before Pilate, the governor. He was supposed to be a man of great power and significance but yet wasn't able to make a decision on the matter of Jesus Christ, but rather went along with the crowd and pleased them rather than standing strong by his decision of not finding fault with Jesus.
Have you ever known someone that went along with the crowd because they couldn't stand for what they felt was right and then sin and evil was released in their life? Much as Barabbas, a criminal released into the lives of the people to steal, kill and destroy.
Then because of no wrong doing in His own life, Jesus was persecuted and crucified although the story doesn't end there. Death was the ultimate price paid for indecision and bad decisions.
In reading this chapter and applying it to my life, I pray that my decisions please God and lift Him up and give glory to Him and I pray others see Jesus in me.
God, help us REAL men make good and right decisions for our families, our Church and all those around us.
Darryl McGee
