Welcome to Prepare — a Holy Week podcast helping you slow down and ready your heart for Easter. In this third episode, we delve into one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the Easter story: the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

In Matthew 26:14–16, Judas Iscariot makes a devastating choice to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. But what motivated Judas to make this fateful decision? Was it money, disappointment, or something deeper? As we examine the life of Judas, we uncover how his expectations of a political savior and his inner disillusionment led him to make a choice that would change everything.

Later, we witness the ultimate betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47–50), where Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss—a sign of intimacy turned to deception. What does this moment teach us about betrayal, expectations, and the dangers of allowing our own desires to blind us to God's plan?

Take a moment to reflect on your own expectations of God and how they might shape your relationship with Him. Can we surrender our preconceived ideas and allow God to reveal Himself in ways we least expect?

Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16, 26:47-50