All four of the Bible’s gospel writers tell about Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, only Matthew describes what happens to Judas after Jesus is arrested.
The next morning, Judas learns that Jesus has been condemned to die by crucifixion. Judas is so overwhelmed with guilt that he visits the chief priests and elders to return the thirty pieces of silver he’d earned by the betrayal in hopes that they’ll free Jesus. But, the punishment process is too far along to stop. Realizing that he betrayed someone innocent, he hangs himself.
What if he’d remembered Jesus’ teachings about the forgiveness of sins? What if he’d prayed to God for guidance? What if he’d waited three days?
If he had waited until Sunday, he would have heard about Jesus’ resurrection. He might even have seen him and placed his fingers in Jesus’ healed wounds like Thomas. He would have believed that Jesus was the Son of God, and he would have been forgiven.
Any time you think things are so bad you need to end your life, think of Judas. If he’d only waited, he would have understood the reason for Jesus’ death and the pivotal role he played in it. He would have had an incredible testimony.
The Suicide Prevention Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 1-800-273-TALK.