2026 Lent Devotions
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 1
John 13:21-32
21 Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining close to his heart; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.”
“… “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” …”
It’s very easy to paint Judas with the villain brush. After all, he betrayed Jesus into the hands of the authorities. As such, he is vilified as the vilest of men.
However, betrayal of Jesus isn’t just for Judas alone. We are reminded that we too often betray our Lord. Obviously, our betrayal is different. Instead of leading the authorities to where they can arrest Jesus by stealth, we simply remain quiet with the Lord demands that we speak. We sit on our hands when the Lord demands we act. We hold grudges, plan vengeance, and hate our enemies when Jesus demands we love. Failing to heed Jesus’ commands, follow his way, and ignore his truths are signs of our betrayal.
The Scriptures tell us two stories about Judas’ demise. Luke/Acts says he falls headlong and bursts open. Matthew has Judas repent of his betrayal, return the silver coins, and commit suicide.
Thankfully, Jesus’ grace supersedes our demise. His death on the cross (aided by Judas’ betrayal) and resurrection bring forgiveness and new life. Unlike Judas, despite our betrayal, we are made new. We can only pray that the same is true of Judas who also betrayed our Lord.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Christ, for the wondrous gift of forgiveness and new life despite my betrayal of You. Teach me the ways of forgiveness that I may show Your grace to those who betray me. Amen.