Acceptance of the Cross leads us to salvation
Matthew 27:1-5
Vs 4 ...saying, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see you to that."
2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna, Bishop Polycarp was arrested by the Roman officials at the age of 86. He was asked to abjure his faith BUT He refused to do so. Even in the face of death he remained staunch in his faith. He experienced the joy of life through his faith in Christ. Even in the face of trials and tribulations, he was brave enough to profess his faith in Jesus Christ who had given him complete peace, grace and abundant blessings in his life.
The wretched Judas got no satisfaction out of his crime. No sooner had he committed it than he was horrified at the enormity of the deed. Covetous as he was, he could not hold the blood money, and he flung it down as though the very touch of it burnt his fingers.
Denial of the Cross leads to estrangement
The story of Judas is one of the most appalling ones in the Bible as he was one of Jesus’s 12 disciples. It is the account of a good man turned traitor in his avarice, an honorable man becoming corrupt and selfish. In his life we see the perils of living in seclusion and estrangement rather than as part of a community. He felt remorseful over his actions but there was no true repentance over his deeds. He tried to return the 30 pieces of silver that had now become blood money, but it wasn’t feasible. The realization of his mistake filled him with self-loathing and regret, and it led him to commit suicide. Worldly pleasures may tempt us to deny Jesus and commit sin. Sin without true repentance causes us to be alienated from God. We will be standing alone in the enormity of our sin and the consequences of our actions.
Acceptance of Cross leads us to salvation
Judas knew it was innocent blood that he had betrayed. It is important to take note that many of the people in the murder of Christ testify to Jesus Christ’s merits. Pilate could find no fault in him. The centurion at the cross acknowledged him as a Son of God. Even the traitor is forced by his own conscience to accept his betrayal and tried to exculpate the innocence of his Master. Many men have a fair appearance in the distance, but they will not stand up to scrutiny. But those who knew Jesus most intimately, and those who examined him in the most critical moments, were able to discover no flaw in his perfect character. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for living in isolation instead of in fellowship with others. I pray for a spirit of humility and repentance so that my life may be a true reflection of your love. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When we believe in Christ and hold steadfast in his faith, we experience joy, love and grace in Christ that allows us to stand firm during any temptations or tribulations.
Rev. Aju Abraham, Mar Thoma Church, Atlanta
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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