https://www.bible.com/events/49210974
Church of the Nazarene – East Rock
Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 2: Betrayal
Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed.
Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling “Healing Fractured Relationships”. Together we are seeking the Lord’s wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter.
Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that’s who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting.
Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God’s Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting.
Mark 14:43-50
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.
Betrayal. It’s one of the worst words in the English language.
And you know that, especially if you’ve experienced it
Betrayal is said to be one of the worst kinds of emotional pain a human being can experience. Betrayal comes from broken or abused trust.
It’s often caused by those in close relationship with us. And it hurts.
At first glance you might say that Jesus didn’t respond to his betrayal.
While it’s true he didn’t respond like we might, he responded showing us a different way.
Jesus responds to the worst most famous betrayal in human history in a way that still confounds the typical human. His response isn’t man’s response to the pain of betrayal – it’s God’s.
Today we are talking about betrayal. So long as we engage in relationships here on earth, it’s likely we will encounter betrayal. But what is it?
Betrayal in its most simple definition it’s a broken or abused trust.
In our relationships betrayal can be little white lies, hidden secrets or problems. Little mini betrayals, all serving to erode the foundation of trust.
Betrayal can also be huge. Infidelity in a close and personal relationship. Getting passed over for the promotion at work after being promised it was yours. Broken promises and plans
Betrayal can also be an accident. Sometimes it comes through a stupid mistake, something we didn’t intend.
On purpose or by accident, big or small, betrayal always hurts, and it always threatens to fracture a relationship. Whether we are betrayed or not is usually out of our control.
But our response to betrayal is always a choice we make.
Today, we want to journey together to see Jesus’ response to betrayal not just to Judas, but also to the betrayal of a close friend.
Luke 22:56-62
A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter never thought he would end up here. Judas, sure- he sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. But not Peter. Even though Jesus tried to warn him, Peter never saw it coming. Betrayal, of the worst kind, in the worst moment.
How would you respond if you were in Jesus shoes?
Jesus doesn’t seek revenge, doesn’t lash out, he doesn’t belittle Peter for his lack of faith. From here, the narrative turns away from Peter and follows Jesus through the crucifixion.
If we didn’t now what we know, it would have been fair to ask at that moment: Is that the end of Peter?
John 21:7-17
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
How did Jesus respond to betrayal?
By extending grace- by forgiving- by restoring relationship
Friends, that’s the same choice he made when we betrayed him.
Each and every one of us has betrayed Christ- with bad decisions, selfish actions and greedy hearts. We are all betrayers How did Christ respond to you?
Wherever you are in your journey with betrayal, can I offer you one compassionate truth from today? Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed.
He knows the pain your going through, he knows the feelings your processing, he knows.
Will you trust him in the midst of your pain? Will you tell him how you feel, let it all out, don’t hold back.
The truth is, you can’t respond to betrayal like Jesus, without Jesus. He’s the only source of such power. If you know full well the pain of being betrayed, will you bring that before the Lord and begin the journey to laying it down?
Say to your Savior, “Lord, you’re the expert in handling betrayal, so I give you mine today.”
Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed, you can trust him with yours.
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