FEAST: 30 Days of Real Truth for Real LifeSample

Day 25: Judas—Betrayal

Snack

1. Betrayal wounds deeply, but it never derails God’s plan.
2. Love of money and self-interest can blind us to true worth.
3. Even our darkest failures can point us back to our need for grace.

Appetiser

Have you ever been let down by someone you trusted?

Main Course

Judas was one of the twelve, walking closely with Jesus for three years. He witnessed miracles, heard teaching, and shared in ministry. Yet his heart was divided. John notes that when Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet, Judas objected, not because he cared for the poor but because “he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6 NIV).

Later, Judas went to the chief priests and asked,“What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15 NIV). For thirty pieces of silver, he agreed to betray the Son of God. His choice reveals how greed and self-interest can distort our perspective and lead us down destructive paths.

In Gethsemane, Judas arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He greeted Jesus with a kiss—a symbol of affection turned into an act of betrayal. Jesus responded with dignity:“Do what you came for, friend” (Matthew 26:50 NIV). Even in that painful moment, Jesus addressed him as friend.

Betrayal cuts deeply because it comes from those close to us.Yet even Judas’ actions did not derail God’s redemptive plan. The cross was not an accident—it was God’s design to bring salvation. Overcome with remorse, Judas returned the silver and confessed,“I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4 NIV). But in his despair, he could not see hope. Judas ended his life in tragedy, unable to believe forgiveness was possible.

Judas’ story warns us of the danger of letting sin go unchecked, but it also points us to the grace of Jesus. The same Saviour who forgave Peter’s denial could have forgiven Judas too.

When we face betrayal, or even when we fail others ourselves, the cross reminds us that sin does not have the final word—grace does.