Judas's Grisly End

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;  for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
“For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,
And let no one live in it’;

and,‘Let another take his office.’ (Acts 1:15-20)

As an aside, in what seems like almost a throw-away passage in Acts 1, the author describes the horrifying death of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Matthew 27 tells us Judas's suicide was the result of his deep remorse over his betrayal. 

I often think about Judas. The simple reality was, somebody had to turn Jesus in. But did Judas have to be condemned? The answer, I think, tells us something about God's relationship with us. Though we have an all-knowing God who sets the course of all things, our actions remain our choice. God didn't force Judas to turn on Jesus; that was Judas's choice, and his alone. But even then, I believe Judas could have been redeemed. 

This is not unprecedented; indeed, you might say the story of Joseph parallels with that of Jesus almost perfectly. Betrayed by his brothers -- those in whom he ought to be able to trust with his very life -- Joseph was sold into slavery. But, we discover, this act of betrayal was ultimately vital in the salvation of Jacob (Israel) and his sons. In fact, without this horrific act on the part of Joseph's brothers, the nation of Israel would not exist. Joseph himself recognizes this fact when he forgives his remorseful brothers:

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

So, just as Joseph forgave his brothers and reconciled with them, I believe even Judas was not too far gone for the grace of God. He, unfortunately, allowed his remorse to lead him to death instead of the arms of Grace. If only he could have learned the lesson of Joseph's brothers! If he'd only known the truth: we can't sin too big for God. 

Let me say that another way: there is only one sin in all of Scripture which Christ has declared unforgivable, and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). Speak against Me, He says, and you'll be forgiven. So, in fact, Jesus declares in plain language that even Judas could have sought, and been granted, forgiveness for his actions. 

No matter what you've done, who you've hurt, where you've been... you aren't too far gone for Grace. God is bigger than your sin. He is an infinite God with infinite stores of grace. Judas's final sin was despair -- despair too great for him to escape. Judas chose that despair over the loving gaze of God. You needn't make that mistake. God's grace is big enough for me, and it's big enough for you. All you need to do is let go of your pride, and let Him take the guilt away. 

You've held onto it long enough.