Betrayal
“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.” Luke 22:21 (TLB)
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Between now and tomorrow morning when the rooster crows, you will deny me three times, declaring that you don’t even know me.” Luke 22:34 TLB)
Jesus had many friends! He also had some influential enemies. Because He knew what was going to happen, he gave insightful messages to both of His “friends.”
Judas had already sold his soul to Satan. He had observed, heard, and even participated in activities with all the other disciples. For three years he had been guided and led by his Friend, Jesus. Together they had prayed, eaten meals, healed, traveled, and even cast out evil spirits. His final moments of life were probably reflections full of regrets and deepest agony. There was no redemption that we know of!
Peter, poor Peter, on the other hand, was just plain scared! He lied to save his own life. After his denials, he crumpled into an emotional heap (my own words) and finally realized what he had done to His best Friend. He too had years of sermons, teachings, and experiences with Jesus. Yes, he turned his back on Him, but his sincere remorse saved him. He knew Jesus and realized who He was and what he had done to his Friend.
Have we ever stopped to wonder how Jesus felt? When this was revealed to Him, it must have been a crushing blow. Hard to fathom! First, to know about your painful death, then to discover that two close friends would give you up: one for money and the other to save his own life. This kind of hurt does not go away easily—at least for us.
Forgiveness, what a lesson to learn. That is what this whole thing was about in the first place. Jesus had to come and spend time on this earth. There was no other way! He had to die to take away our sins. He had to forgive those who hung Him on that rough wooden cross that day. Even in pain, His words were forgiving. When He was finished and returned to the distraught disciples, His words to Peter were of love and forgiveness not of the betrayal.
Perhaps someday we will learn to forgive as Jesus did!
Loving Lord, thank You for forgiving us! Please help us not to hold grudges against our betrayers. Teach us forgive as You did. AMEN.