Supporters’ Devo: The Death of Judas
I hope this week's devotions on Judas have been helpful to you. As we close out this series, I want to address something that sceptics often bring up when trying to discredit the Bible - the supposed "contradiction" between Matthew's account and Luke's account of how Judas died.
Matthew 27:5 tells us: "So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself."
But in Acts 1:18, Luke writes: "With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Now, for many sceptics, these two passages contradict each other. Did Judas hang himself… read or listen to this full devotion on my Patreon page here – for a monthly amount of your choice.
From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Himself, the whole of Scripture anticipated the coming of the Holy Spirit with great excitement. Open your heart today to receive the gift that Jesus was so eager to give.
Paul's encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road converted him from a self-righteous persecutor into a humble follower of Christ. Have you truly been converted, or are you carrying on as you always have?
Barnabas stood up for the newly converted Paul when no one else would, modelling a grace that gives people a second chance. Is there someone in your life who needs you to stand up for them today?
Stephen's accusers covered their ears and yelled to drown out the truth - a warning against the noise and distraction that can keep us from hearing God's voice today.
Peter's repeated failures didn't disqualify him from Jesus' love or mission - his foundation of faith proved stronger than all his flaws. Come back to Jesus today, no matter how far you've strayed.
Peter had the right foundation in Christ, but his faith didn't stop him from repeatedly getting it wrong. Take heart today if you feel like you keep failing - there is always hope and forgiveness in Jesus.
Paul's vision in Romans 6 is breathtaking - a life died to sin and raised again in Christ. Ask yourself today whether you are truly living as a new creation, or still sitting in the old life that Christ came to set you free from.
Two criminals hung beside Jesus on the cross, but only one received salvation - the one who repented and trusted in Him. On this Good Friday, consider where your trust truly lies.
As He was nailed to the cross, Jesus cried out for the forgiveness of His enemies - practising to the very end what He had always preached. Consider today whether there is someone in your life you need to forgive.
Like Pilate, many of us see the truth about Jesus but fear the crowd more than we love Christ. Ask yourself today: are you compromising the Jesus way because of what others might think?
Pilate saw the truth about Jesus but rejected Him anyway to please the crowd - a mistake many of us still make today. Consider whether you are compromising what you know to be true about Christ.
A stubborn refusal to examine the evidence for Jesus is as dangerous today as it was for the Sanhedrin. Ask yourself today: have you genuinely considered the claims of Christ with an open heart?
An extra devotion to thank you for your support! Let me share a story that reminds me of Peter’s staying away from Jesus in fear of condemnation. I hope it will inspire you to go back to Jesus, if you need to, today.
Jesus promised to strengthen Peter's faith after his denial – and He will do the same for you. Will you return to Jesus and find strengthening too?
Receiving the baptism of the Spirit requires complete consecration of your life to God and genuine faith in His power to transform you. Lay it all before Him today and ask Him to fill you completely.