Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!”
~ Matthew 27:3-4
Judas felt remorse that he betrayed Jesus. He wanted to absolve himself of the guilt by returning the thirty pieces of silver to the religious leaders who paid him. But he couldn’t wipe out his sin so easily. Jesus had been condemned because of Judas’ betrayal, and he couldn’t undo that. Returning the money was just an attempt to shift the blame from himself to others, when, in fact, all were at fault.
Lord, how often have I tried to wipe away my own sin by blaming someone else. I and I alone am responsible for the wrong that I do; trying to undo my actions won’t change the consequences of what I have done. Thank You that You will forgive me and wash me with the Blood of Jesus, but any damage I have done will not be undone. Strengthen me by the Holy Spirit to do Your will rather than my own sinful will. In the name of Jesus. Amen.