Troubled Betrayal

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

Let’s be honest, being blind sided by betrayal is highly hurtful, but to know it’s going to happen and still choose to love and forgive that person is down right supernatural.  No one expected Judas to betray Jesus, he was one of the 12, he was the treasurer, he took care of the poor, why would anyone think Judas would betray Jesus?  Greed.  Some scholars also believe that Judas may have become disillusioned with Jesus because they didn’t always see eye to eye and Judas was a bit prideful and arrogant; which prevented a deeper relationship with Jesus.  For 20 pieces of silver (approximately four months wages back then), and expected praise for denouncing Jesus, Judas betrayed our Lord and Savior only to wish later that he could take it all back, but it was too late.  This may have led to a demonic possession and a full on spiritual battle that Jesus allowed to help further and fulfill His mission of redemption of mankind.  When Judas realized the religious and political leaders were discussing the plan of crucifixion for Jesus, he became overcome with grief.  He tried to return the silver to no avail and in a matter of hours was taking his own life due to intense grief of what he had done. Had Judas just waited it out a week instead of taking his sorrow into his own hands, he would have surely been overwhelmed with joy, peace and gratitude for Christ. God’s plan of redemption for mankind was carried out.  God’s plan for your life will continue even through hurtful experiences like betrayal.  You can trust in God even in the middle of hurt and sorrow.  If Jesus had to experience love and sorrow at the same time, we should expect to experience it also.  But He will see us through. ~ Amen