These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.
(Matthew 10:2-4 NIV)
The Gospel writers never cease to mention the fact that Judas Iscariot was the one who would later betray Jesus. Being omniscient, Jesus Himself knew all along that one of His chosen friends would later betray Him. So I can only imagine the hurt and sorrow Jesus must have experienced, knowing that the man He fellowshipped with for the three years of His life would one day betray Him.
Unlike Jesus, it takes us a while to figure out who our true friends are. But somewhere along the way, we too discover that we’ve been betrayed by someone that we considered a friend. Like Jesus, we’ll feel hurt and sadness by the betrayal. It might even make us trust others less because we want to avoid disappointment and pain. But betrayals are inevitable. We’re prone to find ourselves betrayed by the people that we love. So how do we cope with it?
As unexpected and shocking as Judas’ betrayal was, God used it to accomplish His purpose for Jesus’ life. Therefore, we can take comfort in knowing that something good can come out of the betrayals that we experience. Like Judas, who got what he deserved, God will deal with those who hurt us as well.
God can use a friend’s betrayal for our good and His glory.
Rising with the Son 