The Betrayal Begins

Wednesday, April 16

The Betrayal Begins

Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48

As Jesus prepares to walk the road to the cross, Judas prepares to hand Him over. The contrast is devastating.

Betrayal doesn’t come from strangers — it comes from those we’ve allowed close. It requires trust. Relationship. Love. That’s why Judas’s actions sting so deeply: he didn’t just abandon Jesus — he betrayed Him with a kiss.

A kiss, a symbol of affection, was twisted into a tool of deception.

The moment is painful to imagine. Jesus, knowing what Judas was about to do, still calls him “friend.” Still meets him face to face. Still receives the sting of betrayal — not with resistance, but with surrender. Rejection may cause a wound, but betrayal is like salt in the wound. Failure may knock you off your feet, but betrayal kicks you while you’re down. Criticism bruises your pride, but betrayal breaks your heart.

And still… Jesus walks forward.

Knowing. Loving. Obedient.

Can you relate to betrayal — or have you ever betrayed someone else? Have you tried to hide your wounds from Jesus, instead of bringing them to Him for healing?

Today, know this: Jesus was betrayed so you could be restored. He was wounded so you could be whole. He was forsaken so you could be found.

This is the work of God. This is the love of God.

Will you receive it?

Prayer for today: Lord, thank You for the strength You give me to stand firm in my faith. Help me to remain steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in Your work. Amen