Matthew 27
Matthew 27: Expectations, Regret, and God’s Faithfulness
As we dive into Matthew 27, we’re confronted with one of the most intense moments in all of Scripture. It’s easy to skim over the familiar story of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and the events surrounding it. But as we pause and reflect, there’s so much to unpack. Today, we want to reflect on the challenges of unmet expectations, the way Judas responded to his decisions, and the profound significance of the moment when Jesus breathed His last.
When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations
We all have a picture in our minds of who we think God should be, often shaped by our upbringing, our experiences, and the relationships in our lives. Just like the disciples, we come with hopes, dreams, and expectations. For many of the disciples, including Judas, there was the belief that the Messiah would be a powerful, conquering leader who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. This was a dream of victory, of power, and of freedom.
But when Jesus begins to speak about His death, Judas, along with the others, may have felt that his expectations were being shattered. The path that Jesus was walking was not the one Judas had hoped for. Perhaps he thought that following Jesus would bring him wealth or fame. But when Jesus' mission was revealed, when He spoke of laying down His life rather than taking up a sword, Judas was faced with disappointment.
This brings up a hard question: What do we do when God doesn’t meet our expectations?
We’ve all been there. When things don’t go the way we plan or hope, it’s easy to feel disillusioned, frustrated, or even betrayed. Judas, in his regret, tries to undo what he’s done. He gives the 30 pieces of silver back, hoping for a change, but it’s too late. The damage has been done. And in the depth of his remorse, Judas makes the tragic decision to take his own life.
The Temptation to Take Matters into Our Own Hands
We see in Judas a classic example of how unmet expectations can lead to destructive choices. It’s easy to throw a temper tantrum when we don’t get what we want from God—whether it’s a prayer that goes unanswered, a dream that crumbles, or pain that lingers without resolution. Sometimes, instead of facing the disappointment, we cope in unhealthy ways: with substances, distractions, or unhealthy habits. We do things that numb the hurt, but in the end, they don’t help us heal.
In those moments, we often realize, like Judas, that our actions were driven by short-sightedness. And yet, the beauty of God’s mercy is that He welcomes us back. He doesn’t leave us in our shame, but extends grace, ready to forgive us when we repent. When we realize the damage of our decisions, God is quick to forgive, and He invites us to return to Him.
The Curtain is Torn: The Old Is Gone, the New Has Come
One of the most powerful moments in Matthew 27 is when, upon Jesus’ death, the curtain of the temple is torn in two. This might seem like a small detail, but it is deeply significant. The curtain represented the separation between the holy place and the Most Holy Place in the temple, where God's presence dwelled. Only the high priest could enter that space, and even then, only once a year, to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people.
But when Jesus died, that separation was torn. No longer would access to God be confined to a select few; now, through Christ’s sacrifice, all people have direct access to the Father. This is the radical shift from the old covenant to the new. Through Jesus' blood, the way to God is wide open for everyone who believes.
This moment is more than just a dramatic event; it signifies that the old system, where only a few could approach God, is gone. Through Christ, we are invited to come directly to Him. We no longer have to rely on earthly mediators. The curtain is torn, and we are brought near.
Living with a Heart of Repentance
As we reflect on the life of Judas and his tragic end, we’re reminded of how often we, too, fall short of God’s will. We set expectations for how we think things should go, and when those expectations are unmet, we can be tempted to despair or to make decisions that only lead to regret.
But there’s a better way. When we recognize that we’ve gone down the wrong path, we can always turn back to God. Judas, tragically, didn’t believe there was a way back, but we have the hope of Christ’s redemption. We can repent and ask for forgiveness, knowing that He is gracious and quick to forgive.
So, as we continue to read through the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, let’s remember that the gospel offers us the ultimate hope: we don’t have to stay stuck in our regrets. The curtain has been torn, and we have free access to God. Whether you’re facing disappointment or struggling with your own unmet expectations, there’s always a way back.
God is waiting with open arms, ready to forgive, restore, and lead us into a new way of living. The question is, will we let go of our old expectations and trust that His plan is better than anything we could have imagined?
