by Ava Pennington
When we think of Easter, our first thought is usually of the Resurrection. A Sunday morning that changed history. Sin conquered. Death vanquished. The devil defeated. We have an empty tomb as proof of the once-for-all victory.
Or maybe we think of Good Friday. The day of the Crucifixion. The day Jesus Christ went to the Cross to receive the full brunt of God’s wrath for sin—yours and mine. The afternoon the sky became dark and the Savior said the words that still ring with victory 2,000 years later: “It is finished!”
But our thoughts don’t quickly move to the Thursday that started the chain of events leading to Sunday. The day betrayal unleashed evil, although evil did not know this would be its undoing.
Betrayal. The word leaves us feeling raw. It stings. The experience leaves us feeling defeated. Sucker-punched. Blindsided.
For most of us, betrayal comes as a shock. We torture ourselves with questions.
How could he/she do this to me?
How could I have missed the signs?
Why didn’t I pay more attention?
If I had only known, I would have….
But we did not know. We did miss the signs. And we were left picking up the pieces, struggling to put our life back together.
No one would see signs of betrayal coming and do nothing, would they? No one who knew beyond any doubt that betrayal lay just around the corner would proceed on their merry way, without trying to stop it, would they? No one!
Yes. One.
One Person did just that. One person shared life with His betrayer for three years. He lived with him and ate with him. He conducted ministry with him and trusted His finances to him. All the while knowing how it would end.
Jesus willingly allowed His betrayer to act, because He looked beyond the events of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Jesus looked to Sunday, His day of ultimate and permanent victory. And His victory meant our victory.
He knew betrayal was coming and didn’t stop it…and He did it for you and me.
Have you ever been betrayed? You’re not alone. Tell Jesus about it. He understands.
“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9 ESV)
About the author: Ava Pennington is an author, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) teacher, and speaker. Her most recent book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God, is endorsed by Kay Arthur of Precepts Ministries.
Ava has also published stories in 30+ anthologies, including 25 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her articles have appeared in numerous magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse.
She is a passionate speaker and delights in encouraging groups with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com.
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Join the conversation: Have you ever felt betrayed? How were you able to forgive your betrayer?
Arise DAILY Devos 
Betrayed, yes. Forgiveness was a process. Bitterness was not comfortable. The seventy times seven type of forgiveness is a daily choice to extend grace. While forgiveness doesn’t endorse the betrayal or guarantee reconciliation, it does free one to heal and move forward.
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Yes, Melynda, you’re right. When we forgive, we’re the one who experiences healing.
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Yes and I choose to forgive. Thanks for giving us a chance to win
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Thank you, Noelle.
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Have been betrayed, but how many times have I been the unintentional betrayer? Read something good the other day,” without Jesus, our past would be our present”. Need to forgive and be forgiven.
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“How many times have I been the unintentional betrayer?”
Oh, Carol, that’s something we don’t like to consider, do we?
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This is beautifully written. A wonderful remembrance of all our Savior endured for us.
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Thank you, Joy!
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Jesus,my Savior, my heart ❤️,my friend. Thank you for this beautiful message.
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Thank you, Dianne!
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So enjoyed the perspective taken in this writing. The fact that Jesus lived & ate with, trusted in his betrayer for three years, all the time knowing who Judas was and what he would do. All for you and I and the glory of His Father. Would I be able to do the same? Not likely. I will meditate on this all day. Thank you, Ava.
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It is definitely difficult for us to consider!
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Yes! I have, but we pray for them and bless them with a heart of forgiveness the way Christ has forgiven us. You see and know things that are not in the true Spirit of God. To really reflect on what Jesus has done for us upon the cross, baring it all, taking on the sins of the world, for each one of us. No greater love and to have that pierced in your heart with grace and mercy!
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Yes, indeed, Dawn – no greater love!
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I was struck by the fact that Jesus knew about his betrayer from the beginning of their relationship. He knew about the betrayal before Judas even did; still, Jesus was able to use him in ministry and work side-by-side with him because Jesus had forgiven him before he ever committed his act of betrayal. That is how he loves even me! Such wondrous love!
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Yes, Karen – wondrous love, indeed!
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