To be betrayed by a friend is the most painful. If we are not careful, it can lead to bitterness. I’ve watched this before and it’s likely you have as well.
It is because friendship is sacred, special and holy. It is a trust. And for someone to turn on you is the worst.
Jesus had multiple people turn on him. His closest friends. It wasn’t just Judas. Although Judas hurt.
Jesus just washed betrayed him.
31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ (Mt 26:31).
But there are others.
Peter in his bravado and love for Jesus said he never would betray Jesus. Then Jesus had to inform him that he would not just betray him one time, but rather three times.
35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same (Mt 26:35).
Notice, Peter was the one to first broach the subject. He declared he would never deny Jesus. Notice though that every disciple said the same.
Then it got worse.
Jesus went away to pray and was in great agony. But his friends couldn’t even stay awake 1 hour to support him. Not just any of the 12 but his three closest friends- Peter, James and John. They just could not stay awake.
Jesus woke them up. Then went out meet his betrayer. And his betrayers. Judas betrayed him with a kiss. Peter betrayed him with an act of violence cutting off Malchus’ ear. And the people betrayed him by arresting an innocent man.
In all these things, Jesus did not become bitter.
Hurt? Oh yes.
But not bitter.
No evil words came out of his mouth towards his betrayers/friends.
Perhaps that is one of the greatest tests. When we are hurt by our closest of friends, and they are not there for us, how will our heart respond?
I have not passed this test.
But like Peter, we can get up again. We can pursue life again. We can admit our mistakes and move on.
And for our friends? We can forgive them. From the heart.
If Jesus can do that on the cross, then we have the power to do the same.
