“Jesus answered, ‘It is he to whom I will give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.’ And when He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.”
— John 13:26 (NKJV)

Thought Of The Day...
This moment in John 13:26 is one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in Scripture. Jesus, fully aware of the betrayal that is about to unfold, identifies His betrayer — not with anger, not with accusation, but with a gesture of kindness.
In the ancient Middle Eastern culture, sharing bread with someone was a sign of friendship and honor. Yet, Jesus extends this act of love to the very one who would soon betray Him for thirty pieces of silver.
This reveals something divine about the heart of Jesus:
He loved to the very end (John 13:1). Even when facing rejection, He chose compassion over condemnation. He didn’t treat Judas according to his sin; He treated him according to God’s nature — merciful, patient, and full of love.
When we face betrayal or heartbreak, it’s easy to let bitterness take root. But Jesus shows us a higher way — to respond not from the pain others cause, but from the love God has placed within us.
Something to Think About from 13:26...
• Love Doesn’t Change Because of Betrayal.
Jesus didn’t withdraw His love even though He knew Judas would betray Him. True love — God’s love — is not conditional.
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
• Grace is Extended Even to the Guilty.
The dipped bread symbolized grace offered to the undeserving. It reminds us that Jesus offers grace to us even when we fail Him.
“Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20)
• God’s Purpose Prevails Through Pain.
The betrayal set in motion the events that would lead to the cross — and ultimately, to our salvation. What others mean for harm, God can use for good.
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
• Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness.
Judas’ heart was hardened by greed and resentment. He allowed the enemy to enter through unconfessed sin (John 13:27). We must guard our hearts through repentance and surrender.

Prayer...
Father in Heaven, Thank You for the mercy You’ve shown me even when I’ve failed You. Lord, teach me to love as Jesus loved — even in the face of betrayal. Remove bitterness, pride, and resentment from my heart. Help me to respond to pain with grace, and to hurt with forgiveness. May my heart reflect Your character, and may I never let betrayal keep me from walking in love.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Sunday Declaration of Faith...
“I will not let betrayal define me. I will walk in love, extend grace, and trust God to turn my pain into purpose.”

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!