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Commentaries
English
Matthew
  
19. The Prophecy has its Accomplishment: Concerning the Price of Betrayal
(Matthew 27:6-10)
6But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”7And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.8Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.9Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced,10and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” (Deuteronomy23:19)


The chief priests didn’t put the money Judas had returned temple back into the treasury because it was morally polluted with blood. Instead, they bought a field in which to bury unclean strangers. They did not recognize that they had inadvertently accomplished God’s prophecy proclaimed to Zechariah (11:12-13). This prophecy had specified the amount of money paid for betraying Jesus, that is, thirty pieces of silver, as well as it’s being thrown down into the temple afterwards.
The story of Jesus’ passion was clearly prophesied from the beginning. God’s will regarding our salvation was executed with exactness and completeness. All of His steps toward His passion were drawn and declared in the prophecies of the Old Testament. How, then, can some people claim that Jesus was not crucified and did not die?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, when I look at the end of Judas I tremble and shiver. Forgive me for every lie, the love of money and treachery, and every disobedient act against Your love. Remove every temptation from me. Lead me to confess all my sins before You as long as there is time, to truly repent guided by Your Holy Spirit, to love my enemies, to use money for Your sake, and not to seek high position and power. Let me follow You humbly, contentedly, and meekly, spreading the kingdom of Your love with faithfulness.
Question
What can we learn from the death of Judas?