The Slow Drift - Tuesday, 03/31/2026

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:14–25

We don't like to talk about Judas much. He makes us uncomfortable. Not because he's so different from us — but because he might not be. Judas was one of the twelve. He ate with Jesus, traveled with him, watched the miracles. He knew Jesus personally. And still, somewhere along the way, something shifted. A decision was made. A direction was chosen. Thirty pieces of silver. A kiss in a garden. A path that looked reasonable from the inside and only revealed where it led once it was too late to turn around.

In Monroe, most people don't walk away from their faith in one dramatic moment. It happens slowly. A little compromise here, a priority shifted there. We stop showing up. We start telling ourselves that what we want is probably fine. We make small deals — not with religious leaders, but with our own fears, our comfort, our desire to stay in control. And before long, we realize we've drifted somewhere we never meant to go.

Jesus knew what Judas was about to do, and he still broke bread with him. That detail is worth sitting with. God doesn't abandon us the moment we start walking the wrong direction. The door isn't slammed shut at the first wrong turn. But there's also a sobering truth here: Judas never turned back. He had every opportunity. The tragedy isn't that he was beyond grace — it's that he didn't reach for it.

If there's a direction you've been drifting that you know isn't right, Holy Week is one of the most powerful times in the Christian year to name it and turn around. Not because of guilt, but because of grace. Jesus is still at the table.

Reflection Question:

Is there a slow drift happening in your life right now — a direction you're heading that, if you're honest with yourself, isn't where you want to end up? What would it take to turn around?

Action Step:

Have an honest five-minute conversation with God today. Not a polished prayer — just talk. Tell God where you think you've been drifting and ask for help finding your way back. No fancy words required.

Prayer:

God, I know I don't always walk the right direction. Thank you for staying at the table anyway — and help me turn back toward you today. Amen.