Holy Week – Wednesday

Wednesday of Holy Week — a day that carries a quiet but heavy weight. Not much is recorded about Jesus’ public ministry on this day, but one very personal, painful thing did happen behind the scenes…

…Judas made his move.

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them.”
— Mark 14:10 (NKJV)

One of Jesus’ own — someone He loved, walked with, taught, and shared meals with — made a secret deal to hand Him over. For thirty silver coins.

Can you imagine the heartbreak Jesus must have felt, knowing what Judas was planning? And yet, He still showed him love. Still let him sit at the table. Still washed his feet.

Wednesday teaches us something hard but real:
*Sometimes, the deepest wounds come from the people closest to us.

But Jesus didn’t let betrayal stop His purpose. He didn’t let heartbreak harden His heart. He kept moving forward — toward the cross, toward redemption, toward YOU.

Maybe you’ve been through your own “Wounded Wednesday.” Maybe someone you trusted hurt you. Maybe you’ve felt betrayed, left out, or misunderstood. Friend, Jesus gets it. He’s been there. And He knows how to bring healing to even the deepest wounds.

At Emmanuel Nazarene, I’ve seen Jesus turn pain into peace. I’ve watched Him restore joy where betrayal once lived. And I’ve seen our church family love one another in a way that heals old hurts. If you’re hurting today, don’t pull away — lean in.

Remember… You’re not alone!
– Is there a place in your heart still carrying the sting of betrayal?
– Are you willing to forgive like Jesus did?
– Can you trust that God will still use your pain for His purpose?

Prayer for Today:
“Lord, You know what it feels like to be betrayed. You didn’t turn bitter — You turned to the cross. Help me do the same. Heal the wounds in my heart and give me the strength to forgive. Thank You for loving me even when I fall short.
Thank You for my ECN family — a place where love wins. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today, let’s walk like Jesus — not with a clenched fist, but with an open heart. He was wounded… but He kept loving. And because of that, we’re redeemed.