40 Days of Easter Devotional for April 11

40 Days of Easter - April 11, 2011

Written by: Marty Dodge

Sorry, But Not Forgiven
Matthew 27:3-10

Judas, a man with natural desires, walked with Jesus for about three years, listening to parables, watching Jesus heal people with infirmities, and still betraying the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. We may never know what Judas was thinking. Thirty pieces of silver was a lot of money, and we could say that greed had taken him over. When Mary took costly oil, put it on the feet of Jesus, and wiped it off with her hair, that oil was worth about a year's wages. Judas asked, "Why was this not sold and given to the poor?" He did not care for the poor, but he did carry the money bag.

After Judas betrayed the One who loved him with a kiss, he became convicted and asked himself, "What have I done, betraying innocent blood?" He regretted betraying Jesus, gave back the silver, and then walked by the One who could have forgiven him. He walked past the One, Jesus, who in a few hours would shed His blood which would wash away sin for years to come.

Are there times in our lives that we are just as sorry and convicted of what we have done? We may be sorry for getting caught but not have a repentant heart. I John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I am thankful that God can and will forgive our sins if we will confess them.

Lord, forgive me of my sins. I pray that I will not betray You and that my life will be pleasing to You