Remorse or Repentance         

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse.” Matthew 27:3a NLT

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘remorse’ as “a torturing sense of guilt for one’s actions.” If a picture could be included as an example under the description, we would find Judas’ likeness as the one who betrayed Jesus selling Him out for thirty pieces of silver. Scripture tells us it was after Judas realized that Jesus had been condemned to die that he was remorseful. We don’t know what was in Judas’ mind as he made the deal to turn Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, but perhaps he didn’t think it through whatever his reasoning. Dr. Charles Ryrie suggests, “Perhaps Judas had only wanted to force Jesus to do something to confound His enemies, not to get Himself condemned.” (1) Judas indeed had a torturing sense of guilt. It did not turn out as he had planned. He felt remorse, but was there repentance?

‘Repentance’ in Webster’s New World Dictionary is, “to feel such regret over an action as to change one’s mind about.” I don’t think Judas’ picture would be on display in this case. In a sense, Judas did change his mind about the money, throwing it back into the temple, but his intent to make a point or whatever else his motives were, were still in tack. He did not change his mind about Jesus but felt remorse that his betrayal had gone badly.

On a much smaller scale, when the consequences of our sins become known causing hurt and heartache to others, do we repent and change our actions and our way of thinking or are we tortured by a sea of guilt? Remorse is regretting the action due to the outcome. Repentance is asking for forgiveness and changing our minds about that sin, so it does not occur again. So as Christians may we realize being sorry is not enough and change our ways that brought about that sin. There will be a lot less heartache and a lot more love for one another.

(1) The Ryrie Study Bible

Read: Matthew 27:3-10 NLT – When Judas, who had betrayed him, – Bible Gateway