Lenten Word 37: Betrayal

Ouch. We have been there. Betrayed by someone we love. It might have been we shared something with them and they told someone else and we got into trouble. Or we trusted someone and they betrayed us. It is something we can hold for the rest of our lives, but realize this; the longer you do, the longer your prison sentence in that jail you've made for yourself.

This is the day associated with Judas making plans to betray Jesus. They were in Jerusalem and preparing for the coming of Passover, and Judas slips away and meets with Jesus' enemies and sells Him out for thirty pieces of silver. What makes the story even sadder is that the sign of the betrayal would be a kiss.

Our lesson for the Lenten Journey is one really about forgiveness and faithfulness. We should not betray anyone. And if anyone betrays us, we should forgive them and move on. Jesus knew that betrayal was coming and even encouraged Judas to go and do what he needed to do. Jesus forgave Judas. Judas did not forgive himself. If we should betray someone we need to ask forgiveness and we should especially forgive ourselves.

PRAYER: Lord, for this day in my Lenten Journey I ask strength for faithfulness and for showing forgiveness. The model of Jesus is the model I want and need to be more Christ-like in my life. I pray in His name, amen.