Jesus was betrayed ...
"Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.” (NIV) Matthew 26:46-50
Have you ever felt betrayed? It is a terrible feeling to know that someone you trust has betrayed you for some personal gain on their part. It may have been a spouse that you loved. It may have been one of your closest friends in the world. It may have been someone you work with or even someone with whom you go to church. Or it may be that loved one who has died and left you all alone, feeling betrayed.
There was an occasion in my life that my closest friend (I thought) was picking me for information and giving it to someone who wanted to destroy me. This went on for about a year before I found out that the one I trusted had betrayed me. The natural response (I know) is bitterness, hate, rage, retaliation or self pity, dejection, depression and the desire to just quit and give up.
Jesus was betrayed by His friend; one of his 12 closest friends for the last 3 years. Judas had been with Him, eaten with Him, walked with Him, talked with Him, listened to Him teach, and even watched as Jesus had performed miracles. He had probably even performed miracles himself by the power that Jesus had given to him. Yet, Judas betrayed Jesus. It was within the power of Jesus to retaliate toward Judas – He could have just zapped him and killed him with lightning. Notice what Peter later said about how Jesus reacted during this ordeal in I Peter 2:23: When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.