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.
Paul tells Timothy how a church should treat its ministers, and the lessons reach every believer. Ask God today what kind of church member He is calling you to be.
The town clerk of Ephesus used his influence to calm an angry mob, though his silence came at a cost to the gospel. Ask God for wisdom today to know when to speak up boldly and when to bring calm.
Ebed-Melek risked his position to intercede for Jeremiah and lift him out of a literal pit. Ask God today to show you someone you can intercede for and help lift out of their pit.
Bezalel and Oholiab show that God uses people according to both their gifting and their willingness to work together. Identify where you are skilled, and either lead or serve with grace this week
Baruch the scribe faithfully wrote and proclaimed God's word, even when a king cut it to pieces and burned it. Thank God today for those who preserved His word for you, and commit to living by it.
Micaiah the prophet refused to tell two kings what they wanted to hear, and was proven right. Ask God today for the courage to speak truth even when it costs you popularity.
Paul cared more about Timothy's spiritual diet than his physical one. Take stock of your own spiritual diet this week - are you feeding your soul, or letting it go hungry?
Paul reveals that Jesus Himself, not the people, is the true cornerstone of God's household - and that Christianity is fundamentally a relationship with Him, not a moral code.
Paul calls the church the pillar and foundation of truth - a landmark that holds believers steady and points them back to what's true when life gets foggy or hard.
God calls every believer to a life of integrity, not just those in church leadership.
Paul's words about women learning in silence make far more sense once we understand the pagan culture of Ephesus he was addressing. Take time today to test what you're being taught, by Scripture, rather than by culture.
Paul doesn't only call us to modesty, but also to dress with decency - not drawing attention to our bodies. Ask yourself honestly today whether your clothing draws people's eyes to your character, or to your body.
Paul reminds Timothy that Christ's mercy reaches even the worst of sinners, so no one is too far gone for God's grace. Think of the person you find hardest to forgive or hardest to imagine saved, and pray for God's mercy on them today.
Paul insists sound doctrine calls people to holiness, and any gospel message that offers acceptance without repentance falls short of the true gospel. Bring whatever sin you've been excusing to Jesus today, and let Him lead you to repentance and holy living.
Paul warns Timothy about teachers who love quarrels about words, and the warning matters even more in the age of social media. Before you share, forward or follow anything this week, ask whether it points you to Jesus or simply stirs up strife.