Purposed Betrayal

Scriptures: Matthew 26:20-25

Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining {at the table} with the twelve disciples. As they were eating, He said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me." Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" And He answered, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. "The Son of Man {is to} go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him, "You have said {it} yourself."

Commentary:
Jesus is speaking with the disciples at the last Passover about an inside betrayal. One of the disciples in whom was following Jesus, would soon betray Him. One of the disciples in which He invested in, and taught, and fed, and lead; would soon turn his back on the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. It was not as if Jesus did not know who the disciple was. He knew exactly who would betray Him, and He identified the one that would soon turn Him over to those that would crucify Him. Even though Jesus knew who His betrayer was, and made it clear who he was; Jesus did not get angry, and condemn His betrayer, for God Himself had orchestrated the betrayal of all betrayals, for the fulfillment of purpose.

Reflection:
When individuals that we are close to us, turn their back on us; and betray us, our focus must not be on the betrayal. Our focus must be set on the One who is complete control of our destiny. For God is the One that knows all things, and He will continually use whatever means necessary, to drive us right into the hands of our purpose. So let us not be discouraged, when our hearts are broken in a relationship that was once dear to us; but let us press toward our destiny. With tears in our eyes, and pain in our hearts, God will deliver, and God will heal. But most importantly, God will guide us for the rest of our lives, to do what He has called us to do.

Prayer:
Father God, thank you so much for your grace upon our lives to reach past the offense of betrayal, and to continue to seek you Lord with our whole hearts, minds, body and strength. For You, Oh God, are the giver of life, and the answer to every situation that we may face. Thank you Father, for your continued grace, and protection upon our lives; for your glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 26 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 11 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&t=NASB




Higgins, S. (2010). Purposed Betrayal. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com