Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Little Miss Sunshine
Bible Verse of the Day:
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself, Matthew 27:3-5.
Biblical Connection:
Today’s scene illustrates the curiosity of children. Rather than a comedic scene from Kindergarten Cop where Arnold Schwarzenegger is astonished by how much a kindergartener knows about the birds and the bees, Little Miss Sunshine asks a more serious question. As other adults at the table attempt to stop a conversation about suicide, Olive is permitted to continue. The nature of these questions is based upon the premise “why would you give up on yourself?”
I have heard various explanations of why a disciple of Jesus would kill himself. Yet, as I read today’s passage, sometimes people commit an act that they regret so much that the overwhelming nature of guilt is too great to bear. Subsequently, as Judas saw that his betrayal resulted in the death of Jesus, he couldn’t forgive himself. Since the other disciples were fearful that they too might be arrested, there was no one left to stop Judas from the seed of suicide sown inside his mind.
Closing Song:
My high school swim coach shared this song with me after our teammate committed suicide. The lyrics continue to inspire me today, to be on the lookout for anyone who seeks to end their own life. This is why you shouldn’t give up on yourself.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 