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.
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 to guard against false teachers whose words are meaningless and empty, rather than rooted in love, faith and a clear conscience. Examine what voices you're listening to today, and mute any that don't point you toward God.
Lopez Lomong's American family gave him space to leave his painful past behind rather than dwelling on it - ask yourself today whether you're still carrying something God has already asked you to release.
Psalm 91's promises of rescue and protection belong to those who truly love God, not merely those who believe He exists. Examine your heart today and ask whether you treasure Christ above all else.
Before Lazarus is raised, the stone had to be rolled away! Is there something blocking your healing today?
Sin, left unchecked, always produces the same result - a soul corrupted beyond recognition. But even here, at rock bottom, Jesus came to save.
When we reach the age of accountability and choose sin, something dies in us. Ask God today to show you the life that is available in Christ, for those who were once dead but have been made alive.
Our words and offerings to God should flow from gratitude, not from any attempt to earn what He has already freely given. Bring your life to God today as an offering of honour, not of payment.
God's presence is inescapable, and even when we drift from Him, He holds us and calls us back. If you have drifted from Him, today is the day to reach out and take His hand again.
We all have a sin problem - and God has told us exactly how to deal with it. Don't put it off any longer; deal with your sin today.
The cure for sin has already been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ - all you have to do is receive it. Trust Him today as the Great Doctor of your soul, and let Him get you into remission.
Recognising sin is only the first step - God calls every one of us to repent, renounce, and turn away from it. Come to Him today, not just confessing your sin, but truly turning from it.
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.