Holy Wednesday - Hope Week 2025
The Betrayal
“It is not an enemy who taunts me — I could bear that. It is not
my foes who so arrogantly insult me — I could have hidden from
them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close
friend....” - Psalm 55:12-14
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my
bread, has turned against me. - Psalm 41:9
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? The betrayal of someone close cuts deep, breaking trust and making us question both the meaning of true friendship and ourselves.
No one understands betrayal better than Jesus. Judas, one of His twelve closest disciples, betrayed Him. Though the other disciples were unaware of Judas’ true character, Jesus knew his heart, yet still chose to love him. Judas used a kiss—normally a sign of affection—to identify Jesus to the soldiers who would take Him away to be crucified.
When you feel stabbed in the back or betrayed by a friend, remember that Jesus understands your pain. He endured not only excruciating physical torment but also the soul crushing pain of betrayal, false accusations, and loneliness. It is precisely because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection that God is with us always. When we surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit of God permanently lives within our hearts.
When I have felt the sting of betrayal, it comforts me to know Jesus has “been there.” He has traveled this road before me and is present in my bitterness, anger, hurt and grief. He is also present in my forgiveness to those who have broken the trust of friendship.
my foes who so arrogantly insult me — I could have hidden from
them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close
friend....” - Psalm 55:12-14
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my
bread, has turned against me. - Psalm 41:9
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? The betrayal of someone close cuts deep, breaking trust and making us question both the meaning of true friendship and ourselves.
No one understands betrayal better than Jesus. Judas, one of His twelve closest disciples, betrayed Him. Though the other disciples were unaware of Judas’ true character, Jesus knew his heart, yet still chose to love him. Judas used a kiss—normally a sign of affection—to identify Jesus to the soldiers who would take Him away to be crucified.
When you feel stabbed in the back or betrayed by a friend, remember that Jesus understands your pain. He endured not only excruciating physical torment but also the soul crushing pain of betrayal, false accusations, and loneliness. It is precisely because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection that God is with us always. When we surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit of God permanently lives within our hearts.
When I have felt the sting of betrayal, it comforts me to know Jesus has “been there.” He has traveled this road before me and is present in my bitterness, anger, hurt and grief. He is also present in my forgiveness to those who have broken the trust of friendship.
Discussion Questions
1. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet still loved him. What does that say about grace, and how does it challenge how we treat those who hurt us?
2. What does true reconciliation look like, and how can we pursue it while still setting healthy boundaries?
3. What role does prayer play when we’re dealing with the pain of broken trust?
2. What does true reconciliation look like, and how can we pursue it while still setting healthy boundaries?
3. What role does prayer play when we’re dealing with the pain of broken trust?
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