Good Friday

Betrayal and Sacrifice

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me (Psalm 41:9).

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).

Matthew 26:14-27:65

Mark 14:17-15:47

Luke 22:47-23:56

John 13:18-30; 19:1-42

Betrayal

It’s a bitter, ugly word for a bitter, ugly deed.

Perhaps the worst thing about betrayal is that, by its very nature, betrayal involves someone you trust.  In a sense, you have to give the betrayer the power to hurt you by making yourself vulnerable.  Those who never make themselves vulnerable to others can never be betrayed.

But then, they can never really love, either.

Jesus, as we know, was betrayed by Judas Iscariot.  Jesus knew it was coming—he even announced it to the disciples at the Last Supper.  He was handed over to the Chief Priests, and then to the Romans, and then crucified.  Rather than synopsize this day, I suggest that you go read it for yourselves.  Pick one or more of the Gospel accounts I’ve listed above and go through it as a family.  It isn’t pretty.

It is essential.

As you read, remember that he knew what was coming.  He went to the cross on purpose because he loves you.

You.