Lenten Devotional: February 23, 2026

by Lora Ulrich

The Subtle Silver: Our Daily Betrayals

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 26:14-16 ESV

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

In the passage from Matthew 26:14-16, we see Judas—not a stranger, but "one of the twelve". Judas asked, "What will you give me?" He was looking to trade the Everlasting for temporary comfort. During Lent, we are often forced to look at our own "thirty pieces of silver."

While Judas sought an opportunity to betray, Jesus was already seeking the opportunity to redeem. Lent asks us to look for an opportunity to hand our true selves over to God who already knows us fully and loves us anyway.

The Betrayal of Our Silence -

I often betray Jesus not by what I say, but by what I don’t. When I sit in a room where gossip is the conversation or where the dignity of others is torn down, my silence acts as indifference. Every time I choose "fitting in" over standing for the "least of these," I quietly step away from the side of Jesus.

The Betrayal of the "Better" Offer -

Judas looked for a better deal; I often do the same with my time. I betray Christ when I treat prayer as a last resort rather than my first priority. When I sacrifice my integrity for a shortcut, or my peace for an extra hour of mindless scrolling (you can fill in the blank with your crutch), I am essentially saying that these things have more value to me than His presence.

The Betrayal of Self-Will - 

This betrayal often stems from a belief that I know better than God. When I refuse to trust Jesus's timing or His "way" of doing things—opting instead to manipulate situations to get my desired outcome—I am effectively saying His leadership isn't enough. When I operate out of self-will, I’m only "trusting" Jesus as long as He provides what I’ve already decided I need! Trust is the conviction that God’s will is better than my own, even when it’s more painful or confusing.

Prayer:   Lord, I confess that my loyalty is often fragile. I am quick to claim You in the light but slow to follow You into sacrifice. Forgive me for the times I have traded Your peace for temporary comfort. During this Lent, soften my heart. Replace my "thirty pieces of silver"—whatever they may be—with a singular devotion to You. Amen.

Today’s Practice:  Identify one "silver coin" you’ve been holding onto—a habit, a grudge, a secret pride. Intentionally "drop" it today. Instead of seeking an opportunity to self-serve, look for one moment today to act in sacrificial love for someone else.

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A Lenten Invitation from Pastor Bob

• Set aside time each Monday for prayer. Step away from distractions and enter into God’s presence, remembering that apart from Him we are lost. Spend time not only in confession, but also in quiet listening for God’s voice.

• Loosen the grip of sin through generosity. Release your attachment to the riches of this world and return your treasures to God. This is not to earn favor, but to free your heart from the hold the world can have on you.

• Practice fasting on Mondays. Set aside the things that normally claim your attention and instead focus fully on God, offering Him your time, your thoughts, and your devotion.