The Judas Within

Imagine the scene: Jesus and His disciples sitting together in an upper room, sharing a Passover meal. Suddenly, Jesus breaks the silence with words no one expected:

“One of you will betray me.” 

Shock, sadness, and confusion filled the room. Every disciple, stunned, questioned themselves, saying, “Is it I?”

This reveals something profound: being physically close to Jesus or involved in religious activities doesn’t always mean our hearts are truly with Him. Judas was there, at the table, close enough to touch Jesus, yet spiritually distant.

Here’s a comforting yet challenging truth: Jesus knows everything about us. Nothing is hidden—not our fears, our secrets, or our hidden struggles. He knew Judas’s betrayal even before it happened.

Imagine if your deepest thoughts were suddenly displayed for everyone to see. Terrifying, right? Yet, despite knowing everything about us, Jesus still loves us. He loved Judas, even washing his feet and honoring him at that final meal. Until the very last moment, Judas had a chance to turn back.

The other disciples didn’t immediately suspect Judas because he seemed just like them—faithful and devoted. Judas preached, healed, and even managed finances for their group. Outwardly, he looked like the perfect disciple.

But sin rarely announces itself loudly; it sneaks in quietly, bit by bit. Judas’s downfall started small—maybe with greed or pride—that gradually grew until it consumed him. That’s the danger we all face. Small compromises can slowly distance us from God without us even realizing it.

Some might argue Judas had no choice, but that isn’t true. God gives us freedom to choose, and our choices have real consequences. Judas chose betrayal, leading him down a tragic path to despair and regret.

But even at the darkest moment, Jesus’s compassion was there. Judas was warned, yet he chose not to turn back. His tragedy wasn't just betrayal—it was giving up on grace.

Today, we each stand at a crossroads similar to Judas’s. We’ve all made mistakes; we’ve all betrayed God in some way. Yet, unlike Judas, we still have the opportunity to choose grace.

Judas ended his journey tragically, overwhelmed by regret. But just hours later, another tree—the cross—provided hope and forgiveness. If only Judas had waited to see it.

Ultimately, Judas’s story isn't really about Judas. It’s about Jesus. It’s a story that reminds us of Jesus's incredible love, His deep understanding of our struggles, and His constant offer of grace, no matter how far we've fallen.

As you read this today, reflect honestly on your own heart. Ask yourself, "Lord, is it I?" Then, embrace the grace Jesus offers—grace powerful enough to forgive even the worst betrayals.

Today, choose the cross. Choose hope.