“Throwing Someone Under the Bus”

Heavenly Father,

I come to You today asking for wisdom, understanding, and integrity in my relationships. Lord, search my heart and reveal to me any place where I may have betrayed trust or harmed another, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Teach me to walk in love, truth, and courage, even when self-preservation tempts me to act otherwise. May your word guide my actions so that I reflect Your character in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This morning, I woke up with a phrase strangely on my mind: “Throwing someone under the bus.” I couldn’t shake it. I wasn’t in a situation where anyone had just done that to me, nor had I done it to someone else. But it lingered in my spirit as if the Lord wanted me to reflect on it—and perhaps, share what He was impressing on my heart. So I began to think about what it really means, where it comes from, and how God’s Word speaks to it.

The phrase “throw someone under the bus” is a relatively modern idiom that began appearing in the 1970s and 1980s, first in British political reporting and later in American journalism. It

vividly paints the image of someone being sacrificed—pushed into harm’s way—to save oneself. By the mid-1980s, it became popular in politics, sports, and business, describing situations where a person shifts blame, betrays an ally, or uses another as a scapegoat for personal gain.

While the Bible does not use the phrase “throw under the bus”, it is filled with examples of betrayal, blame-shifting, and sacrificing others for selfish reasons.

1. Joseph and His Brothers – In Genesis 37, Joseph’s brothers, jealous of his favor with their father, conspired to kill him and ultimately sold him into slavery. They then lied to their father, allowing Joseph to bear the consequences of their hatred while they saved face.

2. Peter Denies Jesus – In Matthew 26:69–75, Peter, out of fear for his own safety, denied even knowing Jesus three times. While Peter later repented, this moment was a painful example of abandoning someone to protect oneself.

3. Pontius Pilate and Jesus – In John 19:12–16, Pilate, though finding no fault in Jesus, handed Him over to be crucified to avoid political fallout. This was perhaps the ultimate “throwing under the bus”—condemning the innocent to protect personal standing.

What Scripture Teaches Us

• Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” True friends and godly relationships stand together in adversity, not abandon one another when the heat rises.

• Philippians 2:3–4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

• Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

God calls us to integrity, truth, and selflessness, even when it costs us something. Preserving ourselves at the expense of another’s dignity, reputation, or well-being does not align with the character of Christ.

Practical Takeaway

Before speaking or acting in a way that might protect yourself but harm another, ask:

• Am I being truthful?

• Am I acting out of fear or selfish ambition?

• Will my actions honor God and reflect His love?

  

Jesus modeled the opposite of “throwing someone under the bus.” Instead of self-preservation, He took our place, bore our sins, and gave His life for us (Romans 5:8). We are called to follow His example.

Thank You for showing me what true loyalty, truth, and sacrifice look like through the life of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have shifted blame or avoided accountability at another’s expense. Give me courage to stand with others in truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Fill me with humility to admit when I am wrong and strength to protect the dignity of those around me. Let my words and actions build up rather than betray. May I

live each day as a reflection of Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.