John 13:21-22, 25-32 (TPT)
21 Then Jesus was moved deeply in his spirit. Looking at his disciples, he announced, “I tell you the truth—one of you is about to betray me.”
22 Eyeing each other, his disciples puzzled over which one of them could do such a thing. 25 Then the dearly loved disciple leaned into Jesus’ chest and whispered, “Master, who is it?”
26 “The one I give this piece of bread to after I’ve dipped it in the bowl,” Jesus replied. Then he dipped the piece of bread into the bowl and handed it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.27 And when Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus looked at Judas and said, “What you are planning to do, go do it now.” 28 None of those around the table realized what was happening. 29 Some thought that Judas, their trusted treasurer, was being told to go buy what was needed for the Passover celebration, or perhaps to go give something to the poor. 30 So Judas left quickly and went out into the dark night to betray Jesus.
Pause in his presence
Lenten Reflection: We have all betrayed the Living Word of God—the Christ—haven’t we? Therefore, we have all fallen short of the glorious standard of God’s love. The penalty for our betrayal is spiritual death and separation from God. Only repentance (turning) can bring salvation. Otherwise, humanity can find itself wandering in the darkness complying with evil. The bowl of judgment sits before each one of us. Every individual must choose to follow the Light that leads to Life.
Prayer: Lord, my heart turns to your Word; my salvation comes from you. I need you to be my Savior. Give me spiritual eyes to see and help me eat the Bread of Truth that leads to Life with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.