The Danger of Pretending at the Lord’s Table
“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.”
John 13:26–27 (NIVUK)
It is important to note that Judas sat at the Lord’s table, pretending to love Jesus, and even took the bread directly from His hand. Yet, behind the outward appearance, betrayal was already in his heart.
Judas ate the bread from Jesus’ hand, but his heart was full of malice and murderous intent, rather than sincerity and truth. He was physically close to Jesus, yet spiritually far from Him.
There is a sobering lesson here: not everyone who sits at the table with you genuinely loves you. We may encounter pretenders—people who appear to love us while harbouring resentment, jealousy, bitterness or betrayal in their hearts.
But we must be careful not to allow their betrayal to poison our own hearts.
Forgive them. Release them. Give the betrayal to God.
Do not allow the sting of betrayal to turn into bitterness. Let God heal the wound, restore your peace and keep your heart pure.
Jesus knew exactly what Judas was going to do, yet He remained faithful to His Father and fulfilled His purpose.
Don’t let someone else’s betrayal change the person God has called you to be.
Another important lesson: Jesus did not allow Satan to use Judas’ betrayal to destroy His heart of love. He loved Judas to the very end.
Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He did not allow betrayal to turn His heart bitter. He continued to walk in love, obedience and forgiveness.
The Lord was also training His disciples in true leadership. Great leadership is not only demonstrated in how we treat those who love and support us, but in how we respond when we are betrayed by those closest to us.
How you handle your Judas is also part of your training in true greatness.
Will betrayal make you bitter—or will you allow God to make you better?
Jesus showed us the higher way: love, forgive, release and keep moving forward in obedience to God.
Don’t allow Judas to destroy the love God has placed in your heart.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8
Sharon ❤️
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