April 2-4, 2010
Luke 22
Pastor Michelle Hoverson
What do you think when you hear the word “betrayal?” I think of a stampede across my heart. I’m not sure of an emotional wound as crushing as a betrayal.
It’s amazing that, within a span of hours, Jesus suffered the betrayal of two intimate friends and followers. Judas and Peter had seen Jesus - up close and personal – miraculously feed the 5,000, raise Lazarus back to life and restore sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. Yet they betrayed Him.
One thing about betrayal is that it never “just happens.” Judas had established a pattern of it. For his own personal gain, he had been using money that was supposed to go toward feeding the group and provide for the poor. Betraying Christ was just one more link in a long chain. For Peter, the cause of his betrayal was survival.
When we betray a spouse, co-worker or good friend, it doesn’t just happen. There are causes…weaknesses in our character that lead up to the act. Peter’s blind spots were pride and a sense of invincibility (see verses 24 and 33) while for Judas, it was greed.
One of the differences between Jesus and us is that he is incapable of betrayal. He calms our fears of ever being abandoned by Him when He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
What was done to Him, He will never do to you. However, just like Jesus, you and I must forgive the betrayers who have sold us out or abandoned us.
Is there anyone that you need to forgive for their betrayal of you?
Did you know that Pastor Michelle loves gardening - especially growing roses? Yellow is her favorite variety.
