Blinded by the love for money

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | September 23, 2023 | Matthew 27:3-5

KEY VERSE:

I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” Matthew 27:4 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

This should be a familiar statement, "the love of money, is the root of all evil". Nobody ever said money is the root of all evil, but the love of it. People can do all kinds of things for money these days, including committing murder, lying, cheating and betrayal. I guess from the verses we have been reading so far, you realise that it did not start today.

It was money that motivated Judas to betray Jesus. Realizing Jesus had been sentenced to death, he felt bad and wanted to change the decision he had made earlier. Probably he betrayed Jesus because he thought Jesus was powerful and could easily escape from the Chief Priest and the elders. But his love for money started it all

Do we sometimes behave like Judas, who for the love of money, sold his master out to be executed?

We act like that sometimes because we allow ourselves to be so blinded by our love for money that, we break several rules and acceptable practices to get money. We cheat and lie and do all manner of unholy things just to get by.

There is always the regret part, where after getting what we cheated and slandered for, we regret and wish we had done things differently. That was the story of Judas.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

There is a way we are expected to live as Christians. There are certain rules we must abide by as the sons and daughters of the kingdom of God. It is a no-compromise lifestyle and an unbending, resolute stance we must take as believers who intend to imitate our Saviour. What is your stance in relation to the love of money?

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, please help me to love you more than any material things. May I be consumed by your love, and not blinded by the love for money. For your dear name's sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! _____________ DAILY word study: INNOCENT BLOOD The phrase "innocent blood" in our passage for today's devotional is translated from the following Greek words:

"ἀθῷον" (athōon): This Greek adjective means "innocent" or "blameless." It signifies a state of moral purity and absence of wrongdoing. And

"αἷμα" (haima): This Greek noun means "blood," which, in this context, represents the life or death of an individual.

In Matthew 27:4, Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus to the chief priests and elders for thirty pieces of silver, is overwhelmed with guilt and remorse after witnessing the consequences of his actions, particularly Jesus' condemnation to death. He acknowledges his sin in betraying "innocent blood."

Judas' recognition of "innocent blood" highlights the fact that Jesus, whom he had betrayed, was entirely blameless and without sin. It underscores the injustice of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, emphasizing that He did not deserve the punishment He was about to endure.

The response of the chief priests and elders, "What is that to us? That's your responsibility," shows their callous disregard for Judas's guilt and their unwillingness to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

The phrase "innocent blood" in this passage carries profound theological and moral implications. It serves as a reminder of Jesus' sinlessness and the unjust nature of His crucifixion. It also highlights the weight of guilt and the consequences of betraying someone of such moral purity.

Judas' remorse and recognition of his betrayal serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of betrayal, particularly when it involves harming an innocent person. It prompts us to reflect on our own actions and choices, considering the moral consequences they may have on others. May our study of the phrase innocent blood in the context of our key verse for today's devotional deepen our appreciation for the purity and innocence of Jesus and inspire us to make choices that uphold righteousness and justice in our interactions with others.

Reflections: How can Judas' recognition of his betrayal of innocent blood remind you of the importance of ethical and moral choices in your own life? Are there areas where you need to seek forgiveness, make amends, or take responsibility for your actions?