I called him and his brother; they were not perfect, but I saw so much potential as I submitted to God’s plan. Taking a risk for eternity is still a risk like all others; Lord, grant us wise and discerning hearts.

His mother-in-law lay dying of a fever. His family problems were not really my business or responsibility, but I healed her anyway. Going out of your way to support people in their hour of need won’t guarantee they’ll do same for you when you need them.

I took him to places I didn’t take others and shared certain things with him I didn’t disclose to others, yet he betrayed me. Spending a lot of time with people and exposing certain parts of yourself to people is grossly inadequate to conclude they really know you and your purpose.

He was the first who knew and proclaimed who I was, yet he denied that he knew me. Our mental knowledge of God, void of both a personal encounter and commitment to follow Jesus, will be exposed in times of trials and troubles.

He was close to me, a part of my inner circle, yet he said he had never met me; he fled like others. Not everyone you think is close to you has your best interests at heart.

He was the first to do what others had not done, or say what others were incapable of thinking. While others thought he had lost his mind, he walked on water until he took his eyes off me. Some people are serving the Lord only to impress others; not everyone has the mind of Christ.

I changed his name to match his new identity. Others must have wondered why I did that to him and not to others, but he chose to deny me under intense pressure. When life gets rough and tough, pressure and pain will expose our inauthentic selves.

He criticized me for pursuing my assignment, as though I was sent to earth to enjoy a comfortable or easy life. Later, after betraying me, he would personally understand the price of obeying and following God. Beware of people who are attracted to who you are but unwilling to go the extra mile.

He asked so many questions now and then as if he were learning so much. When he betrayed me, I wondered if the word was taking any root or would bear fruit. External spiritual activity isn’t synonymous with the internal work of God’s Spirit.

After all the time I spent with him and the others explaining the arrival of God’s kingdom, he kept asking what else I would give them or do for them. Not everyone is making an intentional sacrifice to follow Jesus; beware of those looking only to satisfy their selfish ambitions.

He never washed other people’s feet, but when I asked to wash his, he demanded that I wash his whole body. Beware of people who expect you to be and do so much for them but won’t lift a finger when it’s their turn.

He claimed he would die with me and never disown me, exonerating himself to be the last man standing after everyone flees, but when we both heard the cock crow twice, we knew those were merely empty words. Don’t trust what people say; watch how they treat you when life doesn’t go as planned.

Hours before my crucifixion, I took him and two others, hoping they would ‘hold up my arms’ like Aaron and Hur but they slept and snored while I laboured in prayers alone. When push comes to shove, we can’t really trust anyone but only lean on the Lord.

After my resurrection, he was uncertain if I was really alive. He went back home, not knowing what to do, then went back to fishing, forgetting all I had ever told him. You can pour out your life into people, but they will still do what they want to do.

Do not trust in a friend. Do not put your confidence in a companion. Micah 7.5 NKJV

But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them. John 2.24-25 MSG