by Emma Strelan

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When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders (Matthew 27:3).

Read Matthew 27:1–10

Yesterday, we encountered Peter’s failure in the face of Jesus’ faithfulness. Today, we turn to another of Jesus’ closest friends: Judas, who unfortunately doesn’t get a redemption arc like Peter.

There will always be many complexities to wrestle with in the case of Judas. What exactly motivated him to hand Jesus over in the first place? Why was he ‘seized with remorse’ so soon after? What was it that made him realise what he’d just done? And why was he driven to end things the way he did?

One thing’s for certain, though, is that Judas chose to cut himself off from Jesus. Perhaps in returning the 30 pieces of silver, he was seeking absolution from the chief priests, but they did not want or care for his remorse. It seems Judas never quite grasped the message that Jesus, in his ministry, pointed to and went on to fulfil that same evening – that Jesus is the only way to true redemption. Any other way of trying to make things right ultimately ends in death.

Let’s turn back to Peter for a moment. Unlike Judas, Peter accepts Jesus’ forgiveness, the price paid by the innocent king. And God goes on to use Peter to do marvellous things for the kingdom.

Judas had cut himself off from Jesus and couldn’t live with himself. But, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we never have to be cut off from Jesus. His forgiveness is always available. His grace is sufficient.

May we be reminded of this grace every day and trust that because of it, there’s always hope for redemption.

Lord of salvation, thank you that our failures will never be too big for your grace to heal. When we read passages like today’s, please help us wrestle with the complexities they raise, but ultimately remember the simplicity of the gospel – your grace given to us. Amen.

Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.

by Emma Strelan

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75).

Read Matthew 26:69–75

Shame. It’s a powerful feeling. When we have acted in a way utterly opposed to our morals and intentions, it makes us question our very identity. Who are we if we can’t do what we know to be right?

I’m sure Peter felt that way. So aware of the words of passion and challenge that he’d spoken to Jesus that same evening: ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you!’ Peter’s words were rendered seemingly meaningless by his own weakness.

How often have we made a commitment to God, a promise of faithfulness, obedience and willingness to do whatever it takes to follow him, only to turn and fall down the next moment? The burden of our shame weighs heavily upon us.

Over the past few years, I have taken my spiritual formation seriously. I’ve completed a six-month intensive discipleship and mission course, read spiritual formation books by renowned authors, practised various spiritual disciplines and met with a spiritual director. I have learned enormous amounts about myself and God during that time and have been constantly challenged in many of the foundational parts of my identity and beliefs.

However, after all these years of seeking to go deeper with God and asking him what’s next and what I can learn now, it has been my experience of grace in the face of failure that has had the most profound and transformative impact on me.

Peter had many powerful first-hand experiences with God, both building him up and reminding him of his humanness. As one author I’ve been reading put it: ‘No-one flops like Peter.’

Jesus knew Peter would fail. Our flops don’t surprise Jesus. Neither does Jesus need nor want our bravado. He knows our flesh is still weak, no matter how willing the spirit is.

But the gospel story is one of redemption for Peter – and for us. Maybe we all flop like Peter. But no-one succeeds like Jesus.

God, our victorious king, may we rest in your victory, which covers our failures. Please keep picking us back up when we fall. Thank you for your eternal grace that never ceases to amaze and transform. Amen.

Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.

by Emma Strelan

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God’ (Matthew 26:63).

Read Matthew 26:57–68

Today’s challenge to Jesus comes from the high priest Caiaphas.

Caiaphas represents and embodies the Jewish religious establishment, supposed to uphold the ancient laws and customs that establish the Israelites as God’s chosen people. Yet, Caiaphas is also a politically controversial religious leader, as he was appointed by the occupying Romans.

Unlike the expert in the law from yesterday’s reading, who was willing to engage in Jesus’ returning questions, Caiaphas is only really looking for one answer from Jesus: proof that this come-from-nothing backwater preacher isn’t a threat to his own religious authority and power.

So, Caiaphas presents Jesus with this challenge: ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ He’s basically telling Jesus to either admit he’s not who he’s claiming to be or be charged with blasphemy.

But Jesus won’t be cornered that easily. He knows that making plays for power and control do not ultimately impact the Father’s almighty plan.

Caiaphas fails to realise that this man whom he charges ‘under oath by the living God’ is, in fact, the God who dies. While the great high priest is doing all he can to keep control of the situation and maintain his place as the religious leader of the Jews, the very God he claims to serve is giving up his control, becoming powerless, weak and dead. Actions speak louder than words.

We can challenge God’s power and sovereignty all we want, but God’s response will always be: ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And that ‘I AM’ is the Messiah, our Saviour. Let us not let our pride and desire for control blind us to who God is and what he has done for us.

God of truth, may our pride, fear and power be laid low so that your truth may be made known in our hearts and lives. Amen.

Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.