Where Do You Take Your Guilt?
Matthew 27:1-10 (ESV)
Jesus Delivered to Pilate
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
Judas Hangs Himself
Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
Please note that these questions are intended to help the community group member learn what types observations could be made in the passage...
Share your observations of Judas's self-assessment of his betrayal and what he does.
Share your observations of how the leaders respond to Judas and his actions.
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message or from your observations above?
What are the differences between remorse, regret, and repentance?
Consider how Judas names his sin and returns the silver. How does that contrast with turning to God for mercy?
Discuss how the primary concerns of the priests (e.g., for the treasury) demonstrate religiosity versus mercy.
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
Discuss what you do when you feel guilty (e.g., do you tend to hide, explain yourself, do more good things, or be hard on yourself) and what that reaveals about where yo look for resolution from your guilt.
Discuss a time when you stopped short of (like Judas) seeking God's mercy.
Discuss a time when you tried to "pay off" or assuage your guilt with effort versus seeking God's forgiveness.
Jesus wants us to balance naming sin with seeking God's mercy for sin. Discuss how you typically approach a person who confesses sin to you.