Betrayal and Peace

Welcome to Hope Mommies In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be narrowing in on specific truths of the gospel to learn how they direct and inform us in our grief. As we study these truths together, we’d love you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into God’s Word each week with us! 

“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.”
Luke 22:21

READ:

Jesus was betrayed by Judas, exposing Jesus to His enemies and ultimately to death on a cross. Yet, this betrayal also revealed astoundingly peace-filled moments in the last hours of Jesus’ life.

Jesus didn’t pursue prevention of His arrest, protection from the crucifixion, or retribution against those who came to take Him to death—although He had opportunity for all three. Jesus, while facing what He knew would be an excruciating death to bear the punishment and wrath of God for the sins of all who believe for all time, was at perfect peace.

Jesus didn’t ask for what He was truly due, as the Son of God. His plan was for the Father’s will to be done (John 14:31), and to have the joy set before Him—while despising the shame of the cross—of saving many for the glory of God (Hebrews 12:2, Ephesians 1:6). His plan was to see the Scriptures fulfilled—that was the peace-filled perspective He spoke of when being betrayed. Jesus perfectly exemplified living on the basis of the word of God.

Sweet mom, are you tempted to feel betrayed by God due to your extreme suffering? Are you tempted to feel like He betrayed you to this enemy of death and pain? Think about this: when Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He knew He had not been betrayed by the Father. For Jesus knew the Father’s purpose and plans in sending Him.

Like Jesus, when being betrayed to death by Judas, we can look to God’s plan. Like Jesus, we can have poignant perspective and peace from the Scriptures, perspective that directs our hearts toward God.

REFLECT:

• How does looking to Jesus’ peace in the midst of His betrayal give us strength to face our own sufferings?
• How can a greater understanding of God’s purposes and plans grant you peace when you are tempted to feel betrayed by Him?

We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.