Betrayal

Have you ever been betrayed? Betrayal cuts deep—especially when it comes from someone you love and trust. A friend, a coworker, even a fellow believer can turn against you in ways you never saw coming. If you’ve walked through that kind of pain, you’re in good company. Jesus Himself was betrayed—not by an enemy, but by one of His closest friends.

Judas: A Friend Turned Foe

Judas wasn’t an outsider. He was one of the Twelve. He walked with Jesus, shared meals with Him, and even took part in ministry. Outwardly, he looked like a devoted follower. But inwardly, his heart was far from Christ. Greed had taken root. When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment, Judas complained—not out of concern for the poor, but because he wanted the money for himself (John 12:5–6).

Eventually, Judas made his choice. For thirty pieces of silver, he agreed to hand Jesus over to His enemies (Matthew 26:14–16). One of Jesus’ closest companions sold Him out.

And yet, here’s the incredible truth: even in the face of betrayal, Jesus is still Lord.

Betrayal Doesn’t Surprise Jesus

In John 13, Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9: “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” Just as David was betrayed by a close friend, so Jesus would be betrayed by Judas. But notice this—Jesus wasn’t caught off guard. He told His disciples ahead of time so that, when it happened, their faith would remain firm (John 13:19).

That’s good news for us, too. Betrayal might surprise us, but it never surprises Jesus. He is the all-knowing “I Am.” He knows the thoughts and intentions of every heart. He knows your pain, your fears, and even the betrayals you didn’t see coming.

Betrayal Still Hurts

Even though Jesus knew it was coming, Scripture says He was troubled in spirit (John 13:21). Betrayal hurts—even the Son of God felt the sting of it. The disciples were shocked. They began asking one another, “Is it I, Lord?” They never imagined that one of their own could turn against Jesus.

And yet, Jesus showed astonishing grace. When He identified Judas as the betrayer, He did so by dipping a piece of bread and handing it to him (John 13:26)—a gesture of friendship. Imagine that. Even in the moment of betrayal, Jesus extended love.

Betrayal Can’t Stop God’s Plan

After receiving the bread, Judas left. John writes, “And it was night” (John 13:30). Judas stepped into the darkness—physically and spiritually. But his betrayal did not derail God’s plan. In fact, it set into motion the events that would lead Jesus to the cross, where He would accomplish salvation for the world.

That’s the hope we hold onto: people may fail us, friends may betray us, but nothing can stop the plan of God. Jesus is still Lord.

Betrayal Runs in the Family

In a way, betrayal is in all of our family history. From Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the garden, to Judah selling his brother Joseph, humanity has a long track record of turning against God. And if we’re honest, we’ve all betrayed Him in our own ways—choosing sin over obedience, self over Christ.

But here’s the good news: Jesus came to rescue betrayers. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Jesus went to the cross for Judas-types like us. He died for those who had turned against Him so that we could be brought into the light.

Stepping Out of the Darkness

When Judas left the upper room, he stepped into the night. But you don’t have to. Jesus, the Light of the World, calls you out of darkness into His marvelous light. The question for us is simple but life-changing:

Will you love the darkness like Judas, or will you come to the light of Christ?

Even in betrayal, even in pain, even in the moments we don’t understand—Jesus is still Lord. And He is still inviting us to walk with Him.