By Andrew Williams
“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”…Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”…As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.” – John 13:21, 26, 27, 30 (NIV)
Good morning fellow disciples.
John 13:21, 26, 27, 30 paints a haunting picture of Judas’s final descent into betrayal. Jesus, deeply troubled, reveals that one of them will betray Him. He then identifies Judas by offering him a dipped piece of bread. This act of grace and intimacy is tragically met with further rebellion. As Judas takes the bread, Satan enters him, and Jesus, knowing the die is cast, says, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” The final line, “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night,” underscores the spiritual darkness engulfing Judas as he leaves the presence of Jesus.
As a disciple, you are constantly faced with choices that will either draw you closer to Christ or lead you away from Him. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of resisting temptation and of guarding your heart against the influence of evil. Even seemingly small compromises can open the door to greater darkness. Be vigilant, prayerful, and quick to repent when you sense yourself straying from God’s path. Never underestimate the power of small decisions, because they can have great consequences.
This week, reflect on the choices you are making each day. Are you choosing to walk in the light of Christ or to embrace the darkness of temptation? Identify any areas where you may be compromising your values or allowing negative influences to gain a foothold in your life. Commit to making choices that honor God and that draw you closer to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be vigilant against temptation and to choose to walk in the light of Christ. Give me the strength to resist the influence of evil and to make choices that honor You. Forgive me for the times when I have strayed from Your path. Keep me close to You and guide me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
