Matthew 27:1-10

Jesus' betrayer hangs himself Matthew 27:1-10: The chief priests and elders wanted Jesus put to death. Pilate was the person used to accomplish their wicked purpose. They thought that Pilate would be willing to put Jesus to death because he claimed to be a friend of Caesar. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but did what the Jews wanted anyway.

Jesus had already been condemned by the Jews on the charge of blasphemy. They knew this would not be enough for Pilate to pronounce a death sentence on Him so now they make a political charge against Jesus. They began to accuse Him of making Himself the King of the Jews. Pilate asked Him, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus, of course, is King, not only of the Jews, but of all obedient people everywhere. Jesus is king but only in a spiritual sense. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36)

In addition to the tragedy of Jesus' death Matthew twenty-seven also records the death of Judas. Judas had sold Jesus and betrayed Him with a kiss. (Matthew 26:47-50) Judas then committed suicide by hanging himself. He reminds us that sin never turns out like the sinner thinks it will. In this case Judas' sin lead to such guilt that he returned the money and hanged himself. When he hanged himself he probably fell down, and the violence of his fall probably caused his bowels to gush out according to Acts 1:18. Judas also reminds us that we cannot undo what has been done. Sin always has a terrible end!