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Explanation for:
Matthew
27
:
3
Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients,
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"His guilt, as well as theirs, is amplified: his not because he turned away from his wrongdoing, but rather because he recognized his error too late, ultimately condemning himself as he admitted to his betrayal; theirs, because they failed to repent despite the chance to reconsider their actions. Notice, at what moment does Judas show contrition? It is only after the deed has been done and completed. Such is the nature of the adversary: he leads the inattentive astray, urging them to ignore their sin before it occurs, so that even if one finds himself ensnared, repentance may escape him. The traitor was unresponsive to rebuke from Jesus in the many times he was corrected, and only when the act was finalized did the thought of repentance cross his mind—yet it was futile. It is indeed praiseworthy that he acknowledged his wrongdoing, returned the silver coins, and showed no fear of the Jewish leaders; however, his choice to end his own life constitutes an unforgivable transgression, the result of a malevolent spirit. The accuser misled him away from true repentance, rendering it completely ineffectual; furthermore, he led Judas to a disgraceful and public death, forcing him to bring destruction upon himself."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The seriousness of sin surpasses the bounds of greed: Judas, upon witnessing the Lord’s condemnation, returned the silver to the religious leaders, as if he held the authority to alter the judgment of his accusers. Though he changed his intentions, he was unable to alter the result or the repercussions of his original actions. If Judas sinned in his betrayal of the innocent blood, how much greater was the sin of those who purchased that innocent blood, thus prompting the disciple to enact the betrayal? Those who seek to argue for differing qualities of nature and claim that Judas was inherently evil, thereby unable to maintain his calling as an apostle, must explain how a corrupt nature could lead to genuine repentance."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The tears that flowed with genuine emotion were shed by Peter, while Judas shed no tears that might cleanse him of his sin. Upon the death of Judas Iscariot, see Matthew 27:3-10 and Acts 1:15-20. He experienced deep anguish of conscience, greatly troubled for having defiled the sacred. The traitor, by his own judgment, condemns himself and willingly embraces the consequences of his wrongdoing. In His reluctance to seek vengeance, the goodness of the Lord is revealed, and His divine essence is evident in how He tests the conscience through unseen strength."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Judas delayed in his reflections; he experienced remorse, but it was not genuine. While acknowledging one’s errors is positive, taking his own life was the work of evil. Overwhelmed by the shame that awaited him, he chose to end his life instead of seeking forgiveness from the One he betrayed. Some assert that Judas, driven by his love for silver, believed he could profit from selling Christ, mistakenly thinking that Christ would not face death and would evade the Jewish leaders as He had done before. When he realized that Christ was condemned and sentenced to die, he felt regret, realizing that events had not unfolded as he had anticipated. In this manner, it seemed as if he sought to end his own life so he could arrive before Jesus in the realm of the dead, hoping to plead with Him for redemption. It is also noted that Judas tied a rope around his neck and hung himself from a certain tree, but due to the tree’s bending, he survived, as God intended to spare him either for repentance or for scorn. It is reported that he suffered from a sickness related to falling, making it impossible for him to pass through where the chariot traveled freely, and later, he fell and burst open, or as Luke describes in Acts, ‘sifted’ (Acts 1:18)."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Upon witnessing the condemnation of Jesus Christ to death by the Jewish leaders, he should have turned away from his betrayal. Yet this is the nature of the enemy: before a sin is acted upon, he conceals the wickedness to prevent the possibility of repentance. However, once the deed is done, he offers the chance to sink into sorrow and despair. Judas lamented, \\"We have sinned,\\" acknowledging the betrayal of \\"innocent blood\\" that was to be shed."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When he recognized that He was condemned, it should not be concluded that Judas, who betrayed Christ for monetary gain, did not anticipate that such treachery would result in the Lord's death sentence. This expectation was likely heightened by the Lord’s own frequent and direct warnings about His impending death at the hands of the Jewish leaders. It is reasonable to believe that Judas's conscience, clouded by his misguided affection, suddenly awakened the moment Christ's condemnation was realized, revealing to him the full gravity of his reckless act. When scripture notes that he \\"repented,\\" it indicates that he became aware of the profound wickedness of what he had done; however, this was a sorrow rooted in despair rather than hope. His remorse functioned as an unbearable burden on his conscience, devoid of any chance for redemption, leading him to take his own life. In returning the thirty pieces of silver, that which had once enticed him now appeared utterly loathsome in light of his anguished conscience. Such is the nature of sin itself."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Did the Sanhedrin anticipate having someone like Judas, the betrayer, defend Jesus? Unlikely; otherwise, they would not have permitted him into their esteemed assembly. The troubled disciple, upon learning of the Sanhedrin's decision regarding Jesus, experienced a profound shift in his thoughts and emotions, leading to overwhelming remorse that consumed his spirit. Tormented by his conscience, he resolved to take a bold step, approached the chief priests, returned the treacherous silver coins, and proclaimed: ‘I have sinned by betraying the blood of the innocent.’ This declaration powerfully affirms the innocence of Jesus. It serves as a significant witness, not only to those of Judas's time. When Judas, once a companion of the Sanhedrin, confesses to them that he succumbed to greed, aligning with their misguided beliefs, he reveals a deeper truth: Jesus was not at all as the Sanhedrin portrayed Him. In reality, Jesus embodied purity and holiness, His teachings illuminated the path for mankind, and His miracles were genuine acts of God. Doesn’t this provide a crucial affirmation for the Christian faith? This testimony holds even greater weight considering Judas had spent considerable time in close communion with Jesus, thus possessing the opportunity to truly know Him."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Judas Iscariot, the son of perdition, witnessed with a tormented conscience the events unfolding in Caiaphas's palace on that fateful night of the Lord's suffering. In his betrayal, he might have thought that it wouldn’t lead to the Lord’s execution, or that the guards would hesitate to apprehend the Miracle Worker, or perhaps He would manage to elude them... But now, it was declared that He was condemned... Suddenly, the profound weight of guilt surged within him, and his conscience stirred with relentless vigor. All his previous calculations and fervor vanished like a fleeting specter; only his conscience and anguish remained! This inner turmoil plunged him into despair. Unsure of his next steps, he resolved to undertake one final act of courage—to approach the chief priests and return the treacherous silver coins, which had once captivated him but now felt repugnant and scorched his hands; he sought to return them and publicly confess his grave sin of betraying the innocent blood. THEN JUDAH, having betrayed Him, recognized his condemnation, and, filled with remorse, he returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, declaring, I have sinned grievously by betraying innocent blood. The compassionate involvement of a priest or a righteous man could have potentially saved a soul on the verge of damnation. Everything hinged on a few critical moments. What response did the self-accused traitor receive? THEY SAID TO HIM: WHAT DO WE CARE? If you feel guilty, that’s your concern, not ours. SEE FOR YOURSELF... ‘They regarded Judas’s repentance and his assertion of Jesus’ innocence with the disdainful indifference typical of those who, strictly adhering to the law, fail to recognize the stirrings of a heart burdened with sensitivity’ (Innocent, Archbishop of Kherson)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The entrance of Judas, his remorse and demise, took place immediately after the courtroom proceedings. Upon witnessing Jesus, who was condemned and bound, Judas was overwhelmed by regret and earnestly confessed to the chief priests and elders, \\"I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.\\" One might think that Judas’ contrition would have swayed the judges, revealing their grave mistake in the verdict just rendered; however, they were aligned with Judas in their intent to shed innocent blood and were eager to carry out their plan swiftly. Consequently, caught off guard by the unexpected acknowledgment of the innocence of the One they had collectively branded as a traitor, they responded to Judas with icy indifference, saying, \\"What do we care about your sin? You have sinned, and you will bear the consequences. Why should we be concerned? Look for yourself.\\""},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In a moment of desperation, Pilate commanded his soldiers to prepare a cross and carry out the crucifixion of \\"the king of the Jews.\\" This horrific order was uttered in plain view of the gathered crowd, echoing to thousands, including Judas Iscariot. His treachery reached its peak success, yet it brought him no joy. To Judas, Pilate's decree felt like an impending judgment upon himself. Until his betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane, Judas was enveloped in the grip of dark forces and a profound spiritual blindness. Even then, when the Savior calmly rebuked him, asking, \\"Do you betray the Son of man with a kiss?\\" the piercing words ignited a sudden moral awakening within him, causing him to flee in terror from the horror of his own actions. The overwhelming spirit of greed still allowed him some fleeting comfort through self-deception, convincing him that his plans would ultimately benefit him. However, the voice of his conscience persistently grew louder, manifesting as an unbearable anxiety. \\n\\nJudas was present during all the trials and mockeries faced by Christ; he witnessed the mocking shouts from the crowd, the painful sounds of scourging, and the frenzied cries of \\"Crucify Him, crucify Him!\\" Despite this, it is evident he did not partake in the frenzy; rather, he felt as if every lash fell upon him, and each anguished breath echoed upon his own pallid cheeks. The cries of \\"Crucify Him, crucify Him\\" seemed directed squarely at Judas Iscariot himself. He was overwhelmed with the thought that these horrors were meant for him instead of the one being condemned, whose gentle gaze filled him with greater fear than anything Satan could unleash. Memories of the past three and a half years flooded Judas's mind. \\n\\nHaving been born with an inclination towards evil, he belonged to that unfortunate group of individuals who, amidst their humble lives, carry their burdens with a quiet grumbling, ever ready to seize opportunities to escape their plight and attain wealth and status, even at a great moral cost. By mere chance, he encountered a remarkable Teacher. A secret thought whispered to him: Is He not the Messiah? Was He not the awaited King who would emerge at the appointed time to liberate the Jews from their subjugation, to conquer the world for their sake, gather the riches of the earth, and bestow upon every Jew a life of opulence and abundance? If this were true, then aligning himself with such a Master would surely bring him great rewards, and Judas, drawn to the company of Christ, prioritized earthly benefits above all. \\n\\nJesus, of course, perceived Judas's treacherous and self-serving nature. However, permitting him to join the apostles reflected divine grace intended to bring evil into proximity with pure goodness, allowing free will to triumph over the darkness within. Unfortunately, Judas's wicked will failed to yield to the allure of the Source of all goodness. He yearned for power, riches, and pleasure, while the divine Teacher taught about God's kindness. Christ preached humility, poverty, and suffering. Although Judas sensed the profound holiness and goodness of his divine Master, he saw a disconnection between this message and the grandeur expected of the Messiah. If the Messiah’s mission aligned with the teachings of the Prophet from Nazareth, he feared his aspirations for material gain would be irrevocably dashed, resulting in the loss of even the modest successes he had attained, while threatening him with impending persecution and disgrace.\\n\\nWickedly, he reasoned it would be better to seize the moment, and he began to quench his avarice by pilfering from the apostles’ community. However, this quickly proved insufficient, as their communal resources were scant and frequently depleted. Thus, he plotted a more substantial scheme, noting the disdain the Jewish leaders held for the Prophet who threatened their hypocrisy. He rashly resolved to betray his Master while the opportunity remained. His mind struggled with the gravity of such an act; nonetheless, like many malevolent individuals, he crafted justifications for his intentions. Weighing the voice of greed against his conscience, he rationalized that his actions might compel Jesus to abandon His call to humility and self-denial, revealing His true Messianic glory before the leaders, thus attracting the people. In this way, he believed he would be doing a service to his too-kind Master and earn himself a place in the Messianic kingdom. Conversely, if the Master perished, so be it, as his betrayal would yield him thirty pieces of silver—a sum sufficient to secure a plot of land, with the potential for further gain in silence. Such twists of dark reasoning blinded him, sustaining his eagerness until he committed the atrocious act.\\n\\nHowever, in an instant, everything changed; the weight of his crime illuminated his soul, uncovering the hollowness of his arguments. Overwhelmed by guilt, Judas pursued the unfolding events with anxious trepidation, desperately hoping for a miraculous intervention from the Suffering One that would disrupt the very foundations of hell. But these were the desperate fantasies of a man wracked by guilt for his own wrongdoing. As the moment culminated and Pilate declared the tragic sentence, it felt as though hell's gates had swung wide open, reflecting the turmoil within the traitor's heart. Unable to endure the reality of his actions, he rushed to the temple, clutching his sordid reward, which had cost him his noble place among the apostles. In returning the betrayal money, he could no longer hear the pleasant sounds of clinking coins, but instead was overwhelmed by the ominous hissing of venomous serpents."}]}
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