The Danger of a Heart Unchecked

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. – John 13:30

Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for three years. He saw the greatest life ever lived, up close and personal. He witnessed miracles that many could only dream of seeing – Jesus calming the storm, feeding the thousands, and raising Lazarus from the dead. He was present during some of Jesus’ most profound teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, where he heard Jesus speak about the narrow path that leads to life and the wide road leading to destruction. He listened as Jesus warned the Pharisees over and over about the dangers of hardened hearts. 

Yet, despite all these experiences, Judas chose to betray Jesus. He exchanged the Light of the World for thirty pieces of silver and walked into the darkness of the night. How could someone so close to Jesus fall so far? 

The prophet Jeremiah offers a clue when he says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Even in the presence of the Son of God, Judas’ heart remained a mystery – a reminder of how deeply sin can take root if left unchecked. 

Loved one, no matter how close you think you might be to Jesus, draw nearer. Don’t assume that familiarity with Jesus means intimacy with Him. No matter how strong you believe your faith to be, keep stretching and growing. If you say you pray, pray harder. If you say you love, love deeper. If you say you forgive, forgive more freely. Don’t settle into a rhythm that becomes routine, because Satan, that crafty serpent, lies in wait – waiting to strike at those whose confidence blinds them to their need for vigilance. 

Peter, who personally knew the sting of overconfidence after denying Jesus three times, gives us this sober reminder: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). 

Judas’ story is a warning, not just about betrayal but about the danger of a heart unguarded. It’s a call to humility, to recognizing our constant need for God’s grace and strength. Today, may we resolve to keep our hearts tender, our minds alert, and our souls leaning ever closer to the One who has the words of life. For in His presence, there is no darkness – only light and life. Amen.