Hello

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests…” — Matthew 26:14

Betrayal doesn’t come from strangers.

It comes from proximity.

Judas wasn’t distant from Jesus. He walked with Him. Heard Him. Saw the miracles. Shared the table.

And still… he turned.

There is something deeply unsettling about that reality—not just because of what Judas did, but because of what it reveals.

Being close to truth is not the same as surrendering to it.

You can be around something sacred and still remain unchanged internally.

Judas didn’t stumble into betrayal. He drifted into it—slowly, subtly, justifying along the way.

And that’s how it often happens.

Rarely is it one dramatic decision. It’s a series of small allowances. Misaligned motives. Quiet compromises.

But here’s the deeper layer.

Jesus knew.

He knew who would betray Him… and still chose to walk with him, teach him, and love him.

That’s not weakness. That’s intentionality.

Because the presence of betrayal did not alter His mission.

And it shouldn’t alter yours either. You will encounter people who misunderstand you, misrepresent you, or walk away in ways that feel unjust.

But their actions do not define your assignment.

Jesus didn’t shrink because of betrayal.

He stayed aligned.

And that’s the call.

Not to harden—but to remain anchored, even when trust is broken.

Musical Reflection: A Broken Heart

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word