Betrayed

We're glad you've joined us for today's encouragement from the Our Daily Bread devotional. Our reading is titled, Betrayed, and it was written by Lisa Samra. In 2019, art exhibitions worldwide commemorated the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci. While many of his drawings and scientific discoveries were showcased, there are only five finished paintings universally credited to da Vinci, including The Last Supper. This intricate mural depicts the final meal Jesus ate with his disciples, as described in the Gospel of John. The painting captures the disciples' confusion at Jesus' statement in John chapter 13, One of you is going to betray me. Perplexed, the disciples discussed who the betrayer might be, while Judas quietly slipped out into the night to alert the authorities of the whereabouts of his teacher and friend.

Betrayed. The pain of Judas' treachery is evident in Jesus' words in verse 18, He who shared my bread has turned against me. A friend close enough to share a meal used that connection to harm Jesus. Each of us has likely experienced a friend's betrayal.

How can we respond to such pain? Psalm 41 verse 9, which Jesus quoted to indicate his betrayer was present during the shared meal, offers hope. After David poured out his anguish at a close friend's duplicity, he took solace in God's love and presence that would uphold and set him in God's presence forever. When friends disappoint, we can find comfort knowing God's sustaining love and His empowering presence will be with us to help us endure even the most devastating pain. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from John chapter 13 verses 18 through 22 and Psalm 41 verses 9 through 12. I am not referring to all of you.

I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of scripture. He who shared my bread has turned against me. I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me, and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me. After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.

His disciples stared at one another at a loss to know which of them he meant. And now I'll read Psalm 41 verses 9 through 12. Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. But may you have mercy on me, Lord, raise me up that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity, you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we're thankful that your love is stronger than any betrayal. When we face rejection and hurt, help us find strength and peace in the knowledge that you are always faithful. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.