Betrayed

Verse: John 18:2-5
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

Devotion
This is one of the saddest stories in the life of Jesus. It is easy for us to villainize Judas and paint him as this horrible person. However, I think we need to realize that Judas was one of the 12 disciples!

This morning, just for a moment, put yourself in Jesus’ shoes (or sandals, I guess). Judas has been one of your closest companions for the past three years. You have traveled together. You’ve spent pretty much every day and night together. You’ve eaten together, celebrated together, mourned together, seen miracles together, been exhausted together—imagine the connection that was formed!

Have you ever gone on a trip with a friend? That bond of friendship gets stronger with time and shared experiences. And they had a ton of both!

Now imagine the heartbreak of seeing your friend betray you for a little bit of money. Can you just imagine the pain that Jesus must have felt in this moment?

And here is where I want to focus this morning. Have you been betrayed by a friend? Have you been let down? Has someone you thought you knew turned out to be someone totally different? Has a friend lied to you, used you, pretended around you, talked behind your back, or used your friendship to get something? It hurts, doesn’t it?

This is the message this morning as you read this passage: Jesus knows. He knows! He gets it! And in your pain and frustration (as with all things) you can go to Jesus. You can go to Jesus with your pain. You can bring your frustrations, your sadness, your disappointment, and your anger to him. And he understands. Not only does he understand, but he will walk with you through healing and comforting your heart.

Hebrews 4:15 says it like this (in the Message version):

We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Let’s do that. Let’s take the mercy he offers. Let’s accept his help.

Prayer
God, thank you that you know my pain. I bring you the pain of relationships in my life, and I ask that you would comfort me and heal me.

Author: Christian Dunn