Loved In Betrayal
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. - Matthew 26:14-16
On the Wednesday before Jesus was crucified, Judas made the tragic decision to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. What’s most astounding is that Jesus, fully aware of Judas’s plan, still chose to love him. He allowed Judas to walk with Him, eat with Him, and be part of His inner circle. Jesus didn’t cast Judas out—He welcomed him, knowing this betrayal would play a role in God's redemptive plan for humanity.
This is a powerful reminder that Jesus knows what it feels like to be betrayed. He understands our pain when we are wounded by those close to us. Even more humbling is the fact that we have all, in one way or another, betrayed Jesus—through disobedience, apathy, or selfishness. Yet, like with Judas, Jesus still chooses to love us.
The key difference lies in our response. Judas regretted his actions, but he didn’t seek forgiveness. He allowed shame and guilt to drive him away from the very one who could have restored him. We don’t have to make that same mistake. Jesus invites us to come to Him with repentance. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Don’t let guilt push you away from Jesus—let it draw you to His grace. His love remains constant, even in the face of our failures.
✅ Action Steps:
Reflect on a time you’ve turned away from Jesus.
Ask the Lord to forgive you for any known sins or areas of disobedience.
Reach out to someone you've hurt or who has hurt you and extend forgiveness.
Thank Jesus for loving you even when you fall short.
Journal about how His grace has impacted your life.
🙏 Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me even when I’ve failed You. Thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and Your unfailing love. I confess that there have been times I’ve acted like Judas—choosing my own way over Yours. But today, I come to You with a repentant heart, asking for Your forgiveness. Cleanse me and restore me. Help me to walk closely with You, to trust in Your grace, and to extend that grace to others. May I never run from You in shame, but always run to You in faith. In Your name I pray, amen.
