Text: Hebrews 4.14-16
It was a betrayal of the bitterest kind: not just a friend, but also one of the trusted, the chosen, the inner circle, one of the Twelve. Powerless to do anything about Jesus because of his popularity, the religious leaders cannot believe their good fortune when Judas approaches them.
This is a huge break: not only will they know where Jesus is, they’ll have “inside information” to use against him. Under the influence of the Evil One, Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Luke 22.1-6).
Perhaps nothing wounds as deeply as betrayal. “The mood of betrayal is fundamental to the character of all types of sin. In fact, sin is fundamentally a betrayal, not just of God, but of others who are injured by it” (Luke, NIV Application Commentary, Darrell L. Bock, p.546).
Betrayal has devastating effects on everyone involved, including the one who commits it. It was this Jesus experienced. Because he did, he understands our pain when we’re betrayed (Hebrews 4.14-16).
This leads to this week’s One Big Question . . . How can knowledge of Jesus’ betrayal give you confidence in praying to him about your heartache?
