Written by: Sebastian Petz
Date: March 25, 2025
Estimated time to read: 2 min
Scripture: John 13:21–30
Scripture: John 13:21, 1 John 2:19
“Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (John 13:21)
“They went out from us, but they were not of us…” (1 John 2:19)
Reflection:
Judas had been near Jesus for three years—listening, learning, serving. Yet proximity did not equal faith. Judas reminds us that being around Christ is not the same as being in Christ.
️️ Application:
Examine: Are you merely near Christ or fully in Him by trusting faith?
Are there areas where you’ve settled for outward appearance without inner transformation?
Prayer:
Lord, search my heart. Strip away any false appearances and lead me into genuine, surrendered faith.
Scripture: John 13:27, Ephesians 6:12
“Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.” (John 13:27)
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Eph. 6:12)
Reflection:
Judas’ betrayal wasn’t simply personal weakness—it was the result of satanic influence. The enemy still seeks to deceive, divide, and destroy. The battle is not just human; it’s spiritual.
️️ Application:
Are there unchecked sins or compromises in your life giving the enemy a foothold?
Daily put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) and stay alert.
Prayer:
Lord, protect me from the enemy’s schemes. Help me walk in vigilance, clothed in Your truth and righteousness.
Scripture: John 13:27, Psalm 41:9, Acts 2:23
“What you are going to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27)
“Even my close friend… has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9)
“This Jesus… delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” (Acts 2:23)
Reflection:
Though betrayal and evil seem to reign, Jesus is never out of control. Judas’ betrayal fulfills Scripture and fits into God’s sovereign plan of redemption.
️️ Application:
Are there dark circumstances tempting you to doubt God’s control?
Trust that no evil or betrayal is outside the scope of His plan.
Prayer:
Father, strengthen my faith to trust You even when life feels chaotic. You reign sovereign over every detail.
Scripture: John 13:18, Matthew 26:24, 1 John 3:8
“He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” (John 13:18)
“Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!” (Matt 26:24)
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
Reflection:
Judas’ betrayal was willful and deliberate, revealing how persistent sin aligns us with the enemy. Sin is never neutral.
️️ Application:
Confess areas of willful sin today.
Remember: unchecked sin not only damages you but places you against God’s purposes.
Prayer:
Jesus, rescue me from the grip of sin. Cleanse me, and realign my heart with Your will.
Scripture: John 13:1, John 13:27-30, Romans 5:8
“Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)
“So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.” (John 13:30)
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Reflection:
Despite knowing Judas’ betrayal, Jesus still washed his feet and offered him bread. His love stretches even to betrayers like us.
️️ Application:
Reflect on how Christ willingly bore betrayal, sin, and shame for you.
How can you extend Christ-like love to others—even when they fail you?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unshakable love. Help me walk in humble gratitude and extend Your grace to others.