Matthew 26:17-25

Matthew 26:17-25 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Ever been at a dinner table where things got very quiet all of a sudden?  I can imagine that happening here.  Everyone is eating dinner, and all of a sudden Jesus starts talking about betrayal.  These disciples have been together for years, living together as a community, and then they learn that one of them will betray their leader, their Messiah.
  This is a reminder that we rarely know people as well as we think we do.  This happens everywhere, even in the church.  People keep secrets, families keep secrets, churches keep secrets.  As I mentioned, it's vital to find community, but it's also important to set an example by not burying your secrets.  When you're having a terrible day, don't hide it -- trust the church, your friends, to help you carry that burden.  Don't put up a false front and pretend to be someone you are not.  We are one body of believers, and we are invested in one another to help move us all forward.  Everyone in church is dealing with something -- make your churches a safe place for people to be open and honest.  Take the time to listen, to truly listen, to one another, rather than rushing by to get to wherever you need to be.  Put down the electronic devices and be present, and may God work through that presence.