Betrayal
...Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.
Zechariah 13:7
The Lord Jesus personally chose 12 disciples whom He poured Himself into. These men could almost be considered His earthly family, surrounding Him, learning from Him, and serving in His ministry. Jesus loved them, and yet He knew—long before they did, that a couple of these men would publicly betray Him.
Judas, certainly, is the one that comes instantly to mind. After all, it was his betrayal of Jesus that ultimately led to the crucifixion. We’re told in Luke 22:3 that “Satan entered Judas…”
However, the disciple Peter was one of the Lord's closest friends, whom He chose to be a witness to key moments in His earthly ministry. For instance, Peter was there for the Lord's transfiguration on the mountain and at Gethsemane on the eve of Christ’s sacrifice. He even drew a sword and tried to physically defend Jesus as He was being arrested (John 18:10).
And yet, sadly, in the midst of Christ’s anguish, His friend Peter turned his back on Him. What emotional pain this must have caused, even as Jesus knew it was coming and understood that it had to be! And if that is not enough, then comes Peter's betrayal of denial, “I do not know Him.” (Matt 26:70).
In life, people will let us down. People will turn their backs on us and cause us pain. But there is One; The Lord Jesus Christ, who will never let us down, betray us or turn His back on us, if we are His, and He is ours.
Make Him yours today by claiming Him as your Redeemer.
Read
Matthew 26:69-75.
Prayer
My Father and my God, You are all faithful and full of loving compassion. Help me Lord, to be faithful to You always. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.
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