Gratitude in the Face of Betrayal

Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper knowing Judas had made his deal.

He gave thanks knowing Peter would deny Him.

He gave thanks knowing His disciples would scatter.

Gratitude Before the Cross

And He gave thanks before Gethsemane’s bloody sweat— before the scourging and the crown of thorns, before the slander, the mking, and the nails.

Gratitude remained His posture as suffering closed in— a candle refusing to flicker in the storm.

The Imperfect Table

The table wasn’t pure. The room wasn’t safe. But Jesus still lifted the bread, blessed the cup, and gave thanks— a host welcoming friends He knew would wound Him.

He didn’t wait for perfect people or peaceful circumstances. He gave thanks in the tension, in the heartbreak, in the presence of betrayal.

Gratitude was His posture even as suffering closed in— a flower pushing through cracks in stone.

A Thanksgiving Reminder

This Thanksgiving, I’m remembering His heart— a heart that could give thanks with the Cross ahead and betrayal at His side.A heart that did not flinch when surrounded by weakness, failure, and fear. A heart that gave thanks anyway.

Our Response

We want to give thanks like that— not because everything is right, but because Jesus is. Not because the table is perfect, but because He sits at it.

The One who gave thanks in the upper room— still receives mine today.

Instagram Update

If you like this post, I’ve posted 40 others on Instagram under the main title: “You Don’t Know This About Jesus.” If you’d like to see them they’re @theone.forjesus at Instagram.

In two months my posts have had over 200,000 views and 25,000 interactions on Instagram.  I posted five for the Thanksgiving week, including this blog. I’ve written a dozen for the two weeks leading up to Christmas. I try to surface something that’s not familiar to most of my readers–thus the title.

The One Update 

• The One app is available online at app stores with English, Russian and Ukrainian—all in one app. It’s now translated into Farsi and Spanish, with Turkish and Polish underway.
• I’ve been invited to share on Europe’s largest podcast—reaching the twenty and under audience—a generation hungry for truth.
• Locally, I’m leading the men’s ministry at Horizon Church in Tualatin, Oregon.

My Vision I’m committed to spreading the gospel into every nation — even those closed to Christ. Social media growth is critical because it crosses borders and can be self‑sustaining, once established. Your partnership — through engagement, prayer, and funding — helps us advance the gospel one life to the next, one nation at a time.

A Christmas Invitation As you consider giving this Christmas, pray for a special gift to Bill Perkins Ministries (a DBA of White Horse Ministries). We’re close to a tipping point. The need is urgent. The impact is immediate.

A Personal Word Ministry feels like lifting a banner high. With you shoulder‑to‑shoulder, it doesn’t sag — it flies boldly in the wind. Cindy and I don’t take lightly your prayers, encouragement, and generosity. You’re not just supporters — you’re partners in the gospel, and I thank God for you.

If you’d like to join us this next season, you can give with a check or by giving at PayPal to Bill Perkins Ministries. Also, Bill Perkins Ministries, a 501c3, is approved by the National Christian Foundation.