“One of You Will Betray Me”
Seeking Jesus First - June 26, 2026
“One of You Will Betray Me”
Please Read John 13:18–30 (NKJV)
Reflection
While they were still at the table, Jesus said something that sent a shock through the room:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
Jesus had just washed their feet, including the feet of Judas. He had served the one who had already made an agreement with the chief priests to hand Him over. Now He spoke plainly. He quoted from Psalm 41, saying that the Scripture must be fulfilled: “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.”
Jesus was deeply troubled in His spirit. He knew what was coming. He knew the darkness that was about to engulf Judas. After Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to him, the Scripture says:
“After the piece of bread, Satan entered him.”
Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you do, do quickly.” And Judas immediately went out into the night.
This was more than the betrayal of a friend. This was the hour when darkness was allowed to do its worst. Jesus was not surprised, but He was grieved. The one who had walked with Him, eaten with Him, and been trusted with the money bag had hardened his heart to the point that Satan could enter him.
There is a sobering reality here. It is possible to be close to Jesus outwardly — to eat at His table, to hear His words, to be part of His inner circle — and yet have a heart that is far from Him. Judas had every opportunity to repent, yet he chose the path of darkness.
Application
Today, take time to examine your own heart before the Lord. Are there any areas where you have been allowing compromise, secret sin, or a divided heart to grow? Judas did not become a betrayer overnight. Little by little, he allowed greed, offense, and unbelief to take root until his heart was fully given over to darkness.
Renew your mind with this truth: Jesus knows the condition of every heart. He is not fooled by outward appearance. Ask the Holy Spirit to search you and to reveal anything that is drawing you away from wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Choose today to guard your heart and to walk in the light while you still have the opportunity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sobering warning in Your Word about the danger of a hardened heart. Thank You that Jesus knew what was in Judas and still gave him every opportunity to turn. Forgive us for the times we have allowed compromise or unbelief to take root in our hearts. Renew our minds today to walk in honesty and humility before You. Search us, O God, and know our hearts. Cleanse us from anything that would lead us into darkness. Help us to remain faithful to Jesus, even when it is costly. May we never take lightly the privilege of walking with You. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.