The Contrast Between the Pharisees and Judas

Matthew 27 is a fascinating chapter, it is chock full of characters, good and bad, surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. One could write multiple sermons just on the people surrounding Christ's death on the cross. What struck me this morning was the contrast between Judas, and the Pharisees and elders of the people. The Pharisees, knowing that Christ was innocent, had him killed anyway because they hated him. Judas, on the other hand, after betraying Christ and knowing that he was innocent, killed himself, presumably due to remorse. Through the entire crucifixion story the Jewish leaders show no such remorse, nor even any introspection or hesitation at crucifying an innocent man. They hate him. They want him dead. They accomplish their—make that God's—purpose.

And that is the fascinating fact in all of this. The Jewish leaders, making their own ghastly choices, fully comply with God's preordained plan. How did that happen? The Scriptures don't see the need to explain this conundrum, they are content to simply lay out the facts.