Understanding Betrayal from God's View

Betrayal, A Tool of Deception!

(Jesus speaking to His disciples said) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. (John 13:18)

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. (John 13:26-27)

Definition - Betray: To deceive or mislead: To give a false impression or act in a way that misrepresents intentions or feelings.

Have you ever experienced betrayal? How did it feel? I don't know of anything as devastating and psychologically damaging to the soul as being betrayed. One of the reasons it may be so polarizing is because it is usually done by someone close. From someone who has won your trust. Maybe someone with whom you've shared intimate, personal, or private information or experiences. Such as a friend, family member, or spouse. Someone least expected. Yet, the sin of betrayal is commonplace, from childhood up. But for some communities, being betrayed is integral to their very existence. They (Born-again or not) live in a constant state of betrayal. Not knowing who is honestly trustworthy (teachers, doctors, lawyers, police, bosses, co-workers, neighbors, bankers, realtors, pastors, communities, churches, Governments), etc., yet always desiring and hoping to trust someone trustworthy, only to be betrayed again, and again. To such is spiritual persecution. The traumatic suppressed pain from this cycle of betrayal, causes formidable barriers of suspicion and mistrust to be erected in their lives. Keeping others at bay and themselves supposedly safe. Opposing even loved ones and others of needed closeness, and sincere love. Missing out on a peaceful fruitful and fulfilling life, accomplishing the adversary's (Satan's) mission. (John 10:10) For, to love, or to be loved, is to be vulnerable. However, while betrayal cannot be avoided in this sinful world, there is Good News!

The Good News is, God knows all about the devastation and pain of betrayal and has provided healing. Because He, Himself was betrayed. By an Anointed Cherub that He created, named Lucifer (Satan, by which the sin of betrayal entered into the world), and according to theologians, consequently also by a third of His angels in heaven. (Is. 14:12-14, Rev. 12:3-4)) He was, again betrayed by Adam and Eve, who He created in His own image and likeness, and gave the world. He also was betrayed by the Nation of Israel, who He called His firstborn. Who desired an earthly king over Him as their king. Although, He had delivered them from Egypt, with an awesome display of His miraculous power! These are only a few instances of God being betrayed. Yet, still He, so loved the world that He gave that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

So, knowing a thing about betrayal and its devastation, God didn't send Jesus into the world oblivious of Satan's tactical use of it. God revealed it to Him beforehand. Thus, Jesus knew who, why, when, and where this act would occur. (Mat. 20:28, Mat. 26:2, Mat. 26:25) Which wouldn't be His last betrayal. The act of betrayal by Judas Iscariot wasn't a happenchance. (Mat. 26:14) The kiss by Him in the garden was a sign to the guards, pointing out which one was Jesus. (Mat. 26:48-49) The dissimulated kiss by Judas itself sums up the very essence of betrayal. Because, through the foreknowledge of God, Satan's deceitful act of betrayal was prophesied, long before this by King David in Psalm 41:9. It was just fulfilled by Judas. Judas, with his deceitful heart, thought he was deceiving Jesus. When all the while he was being deceived. The reason Judas repented of himself. Is because he remembered what Jesus declared at the Passover meal, "This is my body and of the drink, this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Mat. 26:26-27). Judas fearfully realized that Jesus was truly the Son of man and the Son of God. He also dreadfully remembered Jesus saying, "Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! saying, "It had been good for that man if he had not been borne. (Mat. 26:24) Remorsefully Judas confessed, "I have betrayed innocent blood," before hanging himself. (Mat. 27:3-5, John 10:10) Jesus would be betrayed again by a crowd, who just one week prior, praised Him waving palm branches and crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!" (Mark 11:9) would shout, "Crucify Him!" (Mark 15:13) Choosing the release of Barabbas, a murderer (Mark 15:7) instead of Him although Pilate could find no fault in Him at all. (John 18:38-40) But God would turn these acts of betrayal around for the good of mankind. By using them to lead to the horrid crucifixion and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who, is now the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OR LORDS, having the keys of hell and death. (Rev. 1:18)

But it was on the cross, being human, Jesus cried out to God, "My God, my God, why have thou forsaken me?" (Mat. 27:46) Beloved, it was in those words, that Jesus emphatically expressed caring the pain of betrayal for mankind, as fulfilling the prophesy in Isaiah 53:4a "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows..." And it was on the cross, before laying down His life, that He also provided healing for mankind by praying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" Jesus, having experienced the devasting effects of betrayal, assures all that would follow Him, that He would never betray them by saying, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." (Hebrew 13:5)

Beloved, if you are not honestly trustworthy, quit giving false impressions, and acting in a way that misrepresents your true feelings. You are hurting yourself and others. Refuse to let the enemy use you any longer. By seeking the Lord's help with your sinful condition. Understand that Satan was able to use betrayal to gain control over Judas because he had a lustful heart. It was all about his desires being met, despite betraying even Christ who loved him. Begin, by being sincerely honest with others as you want them to be with you. If the Lord leads, and it is possible, ask forgiveness from the person or persons you have hurt, forgiving yourself.

And, if you are suffering from the devasting pain of betrayal, please know that Jesus, who is the same today, yesterday, and forever is the remedy. (Hebrew 13:8) He can take the hurt out of the pain if we first acknowledge it and let Him. Here are a few steps that will help.

1. Know that Jesus is our example and Lord. We must do as He did, and with His help forgive those who trespassed us. It may be challenging, but with His help, you can do it.

2. Cry out to Jesus and honestly tell Him how you feel (Although He already knows) Be honest. Don't hold back.

3. Ask Him to help you forgive whoever violated your trust.

4. Confess to Him (again) that He is the Lord of your life. Tell Him you trust Him.

5. Release, unto Him the person or persons (By name) from yourself. By faith put them in God's hands.

6. Refuse any build-up walls by verbally destroying them by faith, in Jesus' Name! Such as anger, rejection, bitterness, etc.

7. Ask Jesus to heal your soul and memory. Remember healing is a process, so give yourself grace. Ask Him To fill you with His Spirit, His love, peace, and joy. By faith Receive it. Continue to guard your heart but learn to be led by His Spirit inside you. Let him be your discerner.

8. In faith, spend time worshipping the Lord, giving Him thanks for taking the hurt out of the pain.