Trinity Writers’ Group 2020 Holy Week

 
 

 

 
 
 
          Greetings! Welcome to the Trinity Writers’ Group collection of Holy Week writings. The index of writings is listed below. Click a title to read it. These pages are best viewed from a full screen computer or ipad. If you’re viewing this page from a phone, you will have to scroll below the “Index of Writings” to view the writing. You can also download a pdf copy of these writings.
 
THE POTTER’S FIELD
THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER
by Pat Hall
 
          Have you ever made a donation to your church, trying to assuage a guilty conscience? Did it make you feel better? Did you wonder if anyone else had ever done the same thing? Well, sure enough, the practice started a long time ago, on a hill far away, near an Old Rugged Cross.
 
        Only Matthew tells us about it, just a little tidbit in the larger story, but a big story within itself. What became of the infamous Thirty Pieces of Silver?
 
        According to Matthew, Judas went back to the Chief Priests and recanted his betrayal, told them he had lied,that Jesus was innocent and returned the coins. Of course those evil men had what they wanted. Their use of Judas was complete so they sent him away, and they had their money back! A win-win situation, how great was that.
 
        But the Chief Priest came before them and cut down their joy with one short statement. They could not return the thirty pieces of silver to their coffers. Monies used for the commitment of murder was tainted, and, therefore could not be included in their treasury. They would have to put it to some other use.
 
        A long discussion was held and finally someone came up with the idea of purchasing a plot of land that was of no use to any one, something just to get rid of the tainted coins, to get them out of their hands. The land had once produced fine clay for the local potters, but the supply no longer existed, there was no good soil to raise crops, it was not good for building homes, no one could think of any use for it. Perhaps it could be put to use as a burial ground for strangers from other lands who died in Jerusalem and could not be returned home for burial. Or for the poor who could not afford a proper burial.
 
        This idea seemed to please most of those present so the deal was made. The owner of the land had no idea from where the coins came to purchase his property. He was just happy to be rid of the useless plot. Now he could find space to build a home for his family with a garden and goat pen.
 
        It seems the idea of “The Potters Field” grew and, even to the modern era, around the world, villages had their versions to serve those in need. I wonder how many really knew the story of the first Potters Field.