Betrayal

READ: MATTHEW 26:14-56; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25; HEBREWS 4:14-16

Have you ever been betrayed? From large betrayals to small disappointments, betrayal is a hard thing to bear. And yet, it is so common. There probably is not a person in the world who hasn’t felt that sense of astonishment when a trusted person lets them down. As the hurt settles into our hearts, we learn to guard ourselves against further treachery. And, we also learn to betray others.

If you go to church and take Communion (also called the Last Supper, The Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) you might hear the leader read from 1 Corinthians 11, describing what Christ told His disciples when He shared the wine and bread. Jesus explained, “This [bread] is my body, which is for you…This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (verse 24-25). Jesus knew that His blood was about to be shed for the world, and His body would soon hang on a cross.

There’s an interesting thing about the way Paul introduces this passage. Paul writes, “The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed…” (verse 23, emphasis added). I wonder why God led Paul to include this part. Maybe because it’s important. Maybe because betrayal is something we all face—and something we all do. It’s important for us to understand that Jesus, too, felt the pain of betrayal. We have all betrayed Him, and yet He still loves and forgives us.

And with His help, we can bear up under the pain of our betrayals, knowing that Jesus feels our hurts with us. Jesus knew what it felt like to have a beloved, trusted friend deliver you over to the enemy. He has felt this extreme human emotion. He understands. Of all the people in the world, Jesus is the only one who never deserved betrayal. He was so good, so loving, and He was perfect. He not only lived perfectly, but He died perfectly too.

He died in perfect humility, forgiveness, and compassion. And then He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death. So now, when we are betrayed, we can look to Jesus and find healing and comfort. And when we give in to temptation and betray others, we can turn back to Jesus and find forgiveness and restoration. What a wonderful Savior! • Kristen Merrill

• When we are betrayed, it helps to remember that Christ has suffered betrayal. He offers the best listening ear there is. We can entrust our pain to His loving arms. If you’ve been betrayed, consider spending some time with Jesus in prayer, pouring out your heart to Him. Don’t hold back; He already knows everything, yet He wants to hear from you because He loves you.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)