The Price of Forgiveness
Judas wanted forgiveness for his deep treachery.
“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). On that Friday long ago Judas confronted his partners in crime and wanted out. More than that, he confessed to his religious leaders.
He confessed.
The words of his Master had been ringing in his ears as the sword of the Spirit clashed with the powers of demons struggling for his soul.
“One of you will betray me, and it would be better for him not to have been born.”
“Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
“Friend, do what you came for.”
Now, Judas wanted forgiveness for his deep treachery. He wondered if it was possible. He needed reassurance. So he confessed his sin and hoped that someone, especially his religious leaders, would tell him, “The Lord has mercy on you. Go in peace.”
Instead, they say, “What is that to us? That’s your responsibility.” And Judas went and hanged himself. For thirty pieces of silver that couldn’t buy him whatever he was looking for, and became the costly price of his condemnation.
He wants forgiveness for his unfaithful adultery and addictions. She wants forgiveness for her poor choices. Crying on the inside he hangs his head in shame, and others only see his bravado and macho image but you see through it and see his fears, his tears. “It’s your responsibility,” you say about him to yourself, and show him with your actions. She spends even more, on non-essentials that she thinks necessary to boost her self-image. She uses coupons and others see her as thrifty that way but you see through it and tune into her shame. “It’s your responsibility,” you say about her to yourself, and show with your actions. Our children have accidents – whether it’s spilling milk or breaking windows or fender benders – and our inquisitions or huffy responses give the impression that it’s their fault when it’s now. “It’s your responsibility,” we lay on them with guilty that perhaps we don’t really intend. Friends go to work wondering if we will ever speak to them again. Family members hurt because they hurt us and, confused, we haven’t reached out to them in a while.
Unforgiven. A terrible price for those who feel the pain of sin and hear the words of a Savior who went to his death to forgive them. But someone they trust holds it back.
“I have sinned,” we say to our Savior today as we watch him die. And we know, beyond a doubt, that we are forgiven. The price paid covers our sins, and those of all other sinners without exception. Forgiven, we will take to heart the confession, shame, and longing of others who want to be reassured by us. And we will forgive, as Christ has forgiven us.
It’s a good Friday to die to self, and live for Christ.
PRAYER: I forgive you ______. God, help me. Amen.