The Judas in Your Life: 5 Days on BetrayalNäide

The Kiss of Betrayal

Devotion: Judas didn't betray Jesus with a curse. He betrayed Him with a kiss. The ultimate symbol of affection became the weapon of betrayal.

That's how betrayal works. It disguises itself as love. It uses intimacy as a tool for harm. The closer the relationship, the more effective the betrayal.

Maybe your betrayal looked like love too. Sweet words while scheming behind your back. Smiles to your face, knives in your back. Public affection, private destruction.

Jesus didn't pull away from the kiss. He let Judas betray Him with affection. He called him "friend" (Matthew 26:50). Even in betrayal, Jesus maintained His character.

Here's what destroys us: we replay the betrayal. We remember the kiss. We analyze every moment leading up to it. "How did I miss it? How could I have been so blind?" We blame ourselves for trusting. We vow never to trust again.

But that's letting betrayal win twice—once when they hurt you, again when you close your heart.

Yes, be wise. Yes, have boundaries. Yes, learn discernment. But don't let one Judas make you suspicious of everyone. Don't let one betrayal make you incapable of love.

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He still loved the other eleven. One bad disciple didn't make Him distrust all disciples. One betrayer didn't make Him close His heart.

Learn from the pain. But don't let it poison your future.

Declaration: "One betrayal will not define my capacity to love. I will be wise but not cynical. Discerning but not closed. I refuse to let betrayal steal my ability to trust again."

Prayer: "Father, help me not replay the betrayal. Heal the wound so I don't see Judas in everyone. Give me wisdom without cynicism. Help me trust again—wisely, carefully, but fully. In Jesus' name, amen."