Monday, April 14, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 26: 1-35
In Matthew 26, we read that Judas had such a close relationship with Jesus that he could dip his hand into the same dish as Jesus at dinner.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
23 …“The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
If they were so close, why in the world would Judas have betrayed Jesus?
After all my years studying the Bible, I have a few ideas about this. Judas was anxious for Jesus to be elevated to a position where he would restore Israel to its former glory, just as he had been brought up to believe the Messiah would do. It’s my belief that Judas’ betrayal was a misguided attempt to force Jesus’ hand. Surely if Jesus was arrested, he would “power up” and reveal himself as the great Messiah they were expecting.
I can’t blame him for having that opinion. Right or wrong, the oppressed Israelites had believed for centuries that God was coming to their rescue, often assuming he would provide a mighty military leader to lead them to victory.
When his plan did not result in the overthrow of Roman authority, Judas couldn’t live with the part he had played in Jesus’ crucifixion, nor the death of the teacher who had loved him, and whom he loved. Through these biblical accounts, we know Judas was overcome with guilt and despair, and even though we know Jesus’ forgiveness remained available, unfortunately, there is no mention of Judas’ repentance.
Jesus’ mercy and compassion have no limits, and his forgiveness is always available to those who turn to him—even those who betray him. No matter the weight of our failures, he invites us to come to him, not in shame but in trust, knowing that his love is greater than our mistakes.
Questions:
Has there been a time when you betrayed Jesus, perhaps failing to declare your faith when challenged or denying your identity in Christ? Or maybe following a time when God didn’t come through for you the way you had hoped he would?
Next Steps:
If your answer is “yes,” repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. Remember you cannot out-sin the love the Father has for you. Take time to reflect on what circumstances brought about that betrayal and how you might prepare yourself to respond differently in the future.
Prayer:
My sweet Savior, you are so much more than a great political leader—you are the King of the universe! You made it all, and it is all subject to you. But more than the physical things of this world, you want a relationship with me. You want my heart. I often look for things other than you that I think will satisfy my longings, but the truth is only you can satisfy my deepest needs. Help me turn to you—not in an attempt to get you to do the things I think you should do, but because I want to know your heart for me. You have good plans for me to prosper and give me hope. I trust you for them. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.