Jesus Knew Judas Would Betray Him
Loving the Unlovable
Key Verse:
“But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’”
—Luke 22:48
The Shock of Being Hurt by Someone Close
One of the deepest wounds a person can experience is betrayal—not by a stranger, but by someone trusted. For pastors, this often comes in the form of a ministry partner, church leader, or longtime friend who turns without warning.
It stings. It confuses. It breaks your heart.
And yet—Jesus understands.
He wasn’t betrayed by a Roman soldier or a Pharisee in the shadows. He was betrayed by Judas, one of His own disciples. A man He had walked with, eaten with, taught, and loved.
And He knew it would happen all along.
He Washed the Feet of His Betrayer
Think about that for a moment.
In John 13, on the night He was betrayed, Jesus took a towel and basin… and washed Judas’s feet. He didn’t withhold kindness. He didn’t confront him harshly in front of the others. He served him.
Jesus didn’t just love the lovable.
He loved those who would hurt Him.
That’s not weakness. That’s divine strength.
Why Didn’t Jesus Stop Him?
Jesus could have exposed Judas publicly. He could have cast him out of the group. He could have struck him down with a word.
But He didn’t.
Instead, He loved him to the end—knowing full well that betrayal was just hours away.
That’s the kind of love God calls us to display in our own ministries. Not fake niceties. Not enabling sin. But Christlike grace in the face of personal injury.
“They Hurt Me—Do I Still Have to Love Them?”
Imagine a former staff member spreads lies about you. A friend in the pew suddenly leaves without explanation. Someone you’ve helped for years turns on you.
You ask: “Do I really have to keep loving them?”
The answer?
No—unless you want to be like Jesus.
Love doesn’t mean staying close to every toxic person. It doesn’t mean avoiding boundaries. But it does mean choosing forgiveness over resentment. It means remembering the cross was for them, too.
And it means realizing: Jesus knew all about betrayal… and still chose love.
Ministry Is Loving the Unlovable
If you’re in ministry long enough, someone will hurt you. Maybe they already have.
And the enemy will whisper, “Close off. Don’t get too close again. Protect yourself.”
But Jesus shows us a better way. A way that embraces vulnerability for the sake of obedience. A way that keeps washing feet, even with wounds in the hands.
Prayer Thought
Lord, when I am hurt by those I’ve loved and served, remind me of how You responded to Judas. Help me to love with wisdom, grace, and truth—even when it costs. Teach me to forgive quickly, to serve humbly, and to trust You with the outcomes. Make my heart tender, not bitter. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastoring Tip of the Week
Keep a journal of names and situations where you’ve felt betrayed or hurt in ministry—not to relive the pain, but to track God’s healing. Pray over those names regularly. God can turn wounds into wisdom, and pain into pastoral compassion.
💡 Looking for Help Loving Difficult People?
If you struggle to love those who have wounded you—especially in the church—you’re not alone. There’s a powerful, Christ-centered resource that can help:
📘 Well Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelly
This book offers practical, biblical guidance for dealing with difficult people—whether they’re hurtful, selfish, or just plain draining. Learn how to set boundaries, keep your heart right, and stay faithful in the face of pain.
Jesus didn’t just talk about loving enemies—He lived it.
He loved Judas… and He can help you love the unlovable, too.
Note: All Scripture from the NIV Bible Translation.
I needed this today. There were some folks in my congregation that lied to and about my wife and me. It's been very much a struggle for both of us. Thank you for this article.