We had known them for years, knew their families, knew their fears

We did ministry together and alongside each another

We prayed for each other and for our families together

We attended some of the same functions as we grew in faith

We laughed, cried and encouraged each other

We called out the gifts and the gold in each other

We served the community, bringing the kingdom to earth together

or so I thought

The betrayal itself isnt what stings. Betrayal will eventually happen to everyone. What stings is the knowledge of who it was; what they were to you and how they could turn their back on you and offer you up as a token to whatever they were trying to gain or whomever they were trying please. Carelessly, casually as if they were throwing away an unwanted candy wrapper. What they had to gain; who they were trying to please meant far more to them than the relationship with you, built on time well spent together. After betrayal one can lament their broken heart, stay angry and bitter, examine over and over again for clues that may never fully explain why they were betrayed or we can turn our brokenness over to the one who fully understands how it feels in the moment. The one who experienced the ultimate betrayal and yet handled it with love and grace. The one who knew fully the betrayal at hand and yet still gave of himself for the loyal and betrayer alike.

He knew and called him to his ministry still

He knew as they walked along the roads

He knew as he taught them the parables

He knew as miracles were performed

He knew as they broke bread together

He knew as he washed their feet

He knew as he wrestled in prayer in gesthemene

From the beginning Jesus knew the one and yet called the betrayer to himself. Jesus knew what the betrayer would gain, his heart posture, his motive, his moment of betrayal and yet Jesus welcomed him in, taught him, walked with him, showed him what the kingdom would be like. He knew who it would be that would sell him out for 30 pieces and the noteriety of handing over the messiah and loved the betrayer as much as he did the others. He knew and still hoped the betrayer would have a change of heart. He knew and still offered grace in the way he handled it. He knew and still loved him before, during and after the cross.

Just like Jesus’s betrayal, we can be assured we will at one time or another experience betrayal by someone close to us. How we handle it speaks to where we are in our faith and who we turn to when it happens. If we take the details of the betrayer and betrayal to the world; it becomes fodder for gossip, it becomes a blazing flame of un-righteousness that scorces our soul and others around us, it becomes a tool the enemy can use to disable us for further kingdom work because we become bitter and angry. BUT Taken to Jesus and he will use it for our good and his glory, it becomes a blazing flame of forgiveness that sparks righteousness in us and those around us, it becomes a foundation of love and grace that furthers the work of the kingdom.

Copyright©2026 Melanie McKinley (The Salty Pen & Press).  All Rights Reserved