JANUARY 29 - Betrayed but Not Defeated
3-Year-Bible Reading: Matthew 26
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“Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” — Matthew 26:21
“But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, ‘I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’” — Matthew 26:63–64
“Then all the disciples left him and fled.” — Matthew 26:56
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Have you ever been left out, betrayed, or had friends ditch you when you needed them most? That’s exactly what happened to Jesus in Matthew 26. At the Last Supper, He knew Judas was going to betray Him. Later, He stood trial while people mocked and accused Him. And in His darkest hour, all His disciples—His closest friends—ran away. Yet, Jesus wasn’t shaken. He stood firm because He knew who He was and what God had called Him to do. Even when everyone else walked out, God’s plan was still in motion. That’s powerful hope for us when we feel abandoned, misunderstood, or pressured to give up.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Betrayal Happens: Sometimes people we trust will let us down, just like Judas did. How do you respond when someone betrays you? Do you let it crush you, or do you turn to God for strength?
2. Identity Over Opinions: Jesus stayed calm before the high priest because He knew His true identity. When people criticize, reject, or misunderstand you, do you stand in who God says you are, or do you let others define you?
3. God’s Plan Never Fails: Even though the disciples fled, God’s mission for Jesus was unstoppable. How does remembering God’s bigger plan give you hope when things feel out of control?
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BOTTOM LINE
Even when people betray or abandon you, God’s purpose for your life will never fail.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me through Jesus’ example that I can stand strong even when others let me down. Remind me that my identity is found in You and not in the opinions of people. Help me to trust that Your plan for my life is greater than any setback, betrayal, or disappointment I face. Keep me close to You and give me courage to live boldly for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
