Thursday, May 23

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me." (John 13:21)

What might Jesus have experienced at this moment of recognizing Judas's coming betrayal?  Yet, He doesn't retaliate or seek to intervene; in fact, he urges Judas to take his actions "quickly."

There are few emotions more deeply painful than the agony of betrayal.  As children, we may start out unaware of betrayal, but we grow increasingly wary and self-protective with increased knowledge of the world.  These betrayals leave profound scars on our hearts and minds, and they may cause us not to trust others or invest fully in genuine relationships.

How can we trust others, even when we know that they will betray us at some point or another?  If we truly wished to protect ourselves, we would never become enmeshed with others in relationship.  It would be much safer.  Indeed, we now have many apps to provide pseudo-relationships that protect us from hurt.  Social media allows us to welcome the positive feedback and block those who start harping.

Jesus's example provides the godly course:  to love others deeply and from the heart, to speak truth in love, and to remain steadfast in God's will, even when betrayed.  We can closely identify with the Lord Jesus in this moment of betrayal; He is truly in our place in these moments.  This realization allows us to embrace Him more fully and trust Him more deeply.  He experienced everything that we have—yet was without sin!

Hebrews 2:17,18 reminds us that, due to this betrayal and all the challenges He faced, Jesus has become our great High Priest.  He is fully capable of sympathizing with us and helping us.  We are no longer alone, but rather surrounded by His power:  "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

As we face challenges ahead, may we turn towards God instead of away from Him.  We will find comfort in His promise of being near to the broken-hearted and comforting the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)  He walks with us through even the shadow of death, leading us into His green pastures. (Psalm 23)

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to suffer in our place.  We rightly deserve the punishment for sin.  We thank You that He faithfully followed Your will, even during these tremendously challenging moments of betrayal.  Help us to turn towards Jesus during our moments of betrayal.  Thank You for Your goodness and concern for us.  Strengthen us today to remain faithful to Your will and purpose for our lives.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.