Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Matthew 27:3–5
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Devotional
Judas’s story is one of sorrow and complexity. He walked with Jesus. He witnessed miracles. He was trusted. But something grew in him — greed, disappointment, maybe disillusionment. In the end, he betrayed his friend.
And when the weight of what he’d done hit him, Judas was consumed with remorse. He tried to give the money back. But he didn’t return to Jesus. He didn’t ask for mercy. He despaired alone.
Bitterness isn’t always directed outward. Sometimes it turns inward — into self-hatred and regret. When we can’t forgive ourselves, it eats away at hope.
But Jesus went to the cross for Judas, too. Had he come back, mercy would’ve met him there. Peter also failed — and he wept too. But Peter returned. And grace restored him.
The cross doesn’t just free us to forgive others — it gives us the power to forgive ourselves. Jesus bore our shame. We don’t have to.
Question to consider
Are you carrying any bitter regret from your past? What might it mean to bring it to Jesus instead of carrying it alone?
Prayer
Jesus, you bore my guilt and shame. I lay my regrets at your feet and receive your mercy. Help me walk in the freedom of your forgiveness. In your name, Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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Scripture
DAILY SEVENS
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Daily Sevens are devotionals to help you connect with God throughout the day. Each Office contains five elements: Silence and Stillness, Scripture, a Devotional Reading, a Question to Consider, and Prayer.
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