SOAP >> Matthew 27:1-10

S.         Matthew 27:1-10   1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

O.         After a mock trial they lead Jesus away to attempt to secure Roman approval. Judas returns the “blood money” (bribe) and ends his own life with suicide.

A.        How can anyone betray the Lord like Judas did? Judas was witness to many miracles and heard the words of Jesus every day. The answer is: Judas had “free will” and could do anything he wanted to do, just like I have today. Judas made sinful choices of his own free will and he paid the price of those choices. If I sin, I too, will pay the price.

P.          Father; help me stay away from sin. I “choose” to live in a manner that is pleasing to you. Send your Holy Spirit to guide me as I face the temptations of this day. I need you Lord. Amen.  

A family portrait from back in the day when my girls were teenagers.