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Betrayal and Disappointment
In the Word
And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept (Mark 14:72).
Of the Word
Peter was a loyal supporter of Jesus. Emphatically declaring his devotion to Jesus, he said, "If I must die with you I will not deny you” (Mark 14:31b). Yet, when it came time to stand on his words, Peter disowned his friend. He denied even knowing Jesus. Loyalty was traded for self-preservation. Though Jesus predicted Peter’s denial, “… you will deny me three times” (Mark 14:30b), the disappointment in that moment was profound.
There is no denying the hurt when a Christian friend is a betrayer. It hurts. It stings. It destroys. Friendships are dissolved. Trust is ruined. It is so disappointing. If your Christian friends cannot be trusted, who can you trust?
Jesus knows this experience firsthand. Jesus also shows how to mend these breaks. He later came to Peter, asking, “Do you love me?” (John 21:17b). Jesus’ love and Peter’s penitent heart mended the broken trust. Isn’t it the same with us? Mending betrayal begins with love, a forgiving love from God Himself.
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, it hurts when a friend betrays me. Grant me the love to forgive and to trust again. Heal the brokenness that weighs upon my heart. In Your holy name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 18/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
