Judas, in a fit of remorse, flung the silver coins, the blood money, into the temple sanctuary. The council had refused to let him renege on his “Christ for cash” contract. They were not about to give Jesus back. Judas, then demonstrating a complete disregard for God’s law, being motivated only by his own selfish grief, went out and destroyed that which was made in the image of God, namely himself. It is true that Peter also was motivated by self-interest, but his did not lead to the ultimate selfish act of suicide. With Judas, all that mattered was the cessation of his self-directed remorse.

The chief priests, in a false show of propriety and hypocritical adherence to the law, refused to allow the blood money to go back into the treasury, from where it probably came originally. Instead they used it, unwittingly, to fulfill prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13)—they bought a burial ground, originally called “the Potter’s Field” but renamed, “The Field of Blood.” Acts 1:18-19 tells us that was the place where Judas hung himself. This failed disciple’s infamy spread throughout Jerusalem, including the salacious details about the hanging rope breaking and the body falling as it burst open. Just as today prurient news travels fast.

Judas actions were so despicable that his name has been forever tainted. Rare is the parent who would name their child, “Judas.” Even today, when well-known Christians fall into sin, for years afterward just the mention of their name immediately invokes the memory of their sin. A person’s name is their reputation—for good or for bad. That is why Scripture says, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth…” (Prov 21:1). It is more than just a tag, it is a symbol. In contrast to Judas, Peter’s name did not suffer the same ignominy. He went on to be a great leader in the church!