In the previous reading Peter has denied the Lord just as Jesus predicted and there is bitter weeping of repentance. Now in this chapter we are introduced to the vehement hatred of the chief priests and elders of the Jews. We have some of the same bitter hatred today. He is still the rejected one and we as followers of Christ may be rejected by them, too. Pilate is introduced here too, as he is the only one who could crucify Him as prophesied about 1000 years earlier in Psalm 22. He becomes a people pleaser which was not seen as in Luke 13:1 He becomes wishy washy which is something that could happen to any of us.
Judas, the traitor, is now realizing the full impact of what he has done. He comes back to the priests and elders and confesses , "I have sinned!" This sounds noble but it is remorse and not repentance. He throws the money down and hangs himself. There are three suicides in the Bible! King Saul (I Samuel 31:4) and Ahithophel (I Samuel 17:23) are the two previous ones. In all there is remorse instead of true repentance.
The priests didn't care about him. He was used. His 30 pieces of silver bought the field he seemed to have died in and probably was buried in. This is a true picture of this world. (Acts 1:18-25 ) It ends by saying "He went to his own place." We all deserve Hell but grace alone allows us to be in Heaven.
Pilate will be reckoned with. History does not give him a very good ending. We need to give complete loyalty to Christ to be blessed here after.
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