Day 3: Betrayal and Arrest
Trust During Betrayal
Scripture: John 18:1-11
Imagine the setting in the Garden of Gethsemane, a quiet place where Jesus often went to pray and seek solitude with His Father. This time, however, it became the scene of a profound betrayal. Judas, one of the twelve disciples who had walked closely with Jesus, led a band of soldiers to arrest Him. The pain of this betrayal hurts even more because of how close Jesus and his betrayer were. It wasn't just a casual acquaintance who betrayed Jesus, but someone who had shared a significant part of his life with him.
Yet, in this moment of ultimate betrayal, Jesus' response is striking. He does not react in anger or seek to escape. Instead, He steps forward, acknowledging His identity and protecting His disciples by asking the soldiers to let them go. This act reflects His unwavering trust in God's plan and His selfless love. He knew the Father's plan was for a greater good, beyond the immediate pain and betrayal. The actions of others did not shake His trust in God, no matter how close they were to Him.
When we feel betrayed or let down by others, it's natural to feel hurt, angry, or even to question God's plan for our lives. However, Jesus' example shows us the power of trust. Trusting God in the midst of betrayal doesn't mean the pain doesn't exist, but it means we believe that God is with us through the pain and will use even the deepest hurts for a greater purpose.
Prayer Focus
In your prayer today, ask for the grace to trust God when you feel betrayed or let down. Pray for the strength to forgive those who have hurt you, just as Jesus forgave. Ask God to help you see beyond the immediate pain and to trust in His greater plan for your life. Pray for the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and that He is working all things together for good.