Betrayal and Redemption

Wednesday Morning Reflection

Have you ever been betrayed? Have you ever had someone you considered a friend take advantage of you, abuse you, steal from you, lie about you, or tell others something you shared in confidence? If you have, you have experienced what an empty feeling that is, it damages you on the inside. Once you come to terms with that betrayal, you begin to slowly mourn inside because you know that relationtionship will never be the same again, it is hard to repair and reconstruct intrinsic damage.  

Although Jesus knew Judas would betray him, I am sure it still hurt intrinsically, like a punch
to the gut. You see, it's one thing to suspect a betrayal coming, quite another to experience the heaviness of its weight. What we learn here is that no matter how good you are (Jesus was perfect), people can and will betray you, disappoint you, and grieve your soul to some extent. 

What’s the verdict here? Quite simply, something wasn't right with Judas' soul. Somehow, he felt thirty silver coins were more valuable than his relationship with the one who loved him more than anyone had ever in his lifetime. Most know what happened to Judas afterward, he hung himself, intrinsically covered with guilt and shame. It is hard to find compassion for someone like Judas, some people never will. Yet if you take a step back, and look at his life from the big picture, you can to some degree, grieve for Judas. He was a troubled soul.

In the end, this story of betrayal reminds us that no matter what happens in life that reeks 

of selfishness, betrayal, and evil, God can still turn that experience into something positive that can eventually help others. Jesus proved that reality by dying for our sins on the cross. He turned something evil into goodness. He would not allow evil to win! Neither should we! 

Some ask, if Judas will be in heaven. Most people say he was destined for damnation, prophesied as the son of perdition. Some say his suicide prevented that heavenly possibility. Many write such conclusions because they can't find an alternative scenario, or they simply don't want to look for one. However, you must remember Jesus' death on the cross was for all humanity, not minus the exception of Judas.  

Reflecting on his life from that perspective, it becomes apparent that the sins of Judas were forgiven at the cross. The death of Jesus covered the lives of everyone, past, present, and future.

The real question, was whether Judas received this forgiveness. Ultimately, that is the same question for anyone who has wronged us or denied and betrayed Jesus during their lifetimes. Judas was a troubled soul, a flawed man, who at that moment in history, felt thirty coins where worth more than his relationship with the Savior of the world. What a tragedy! What a sad end to someone’s life! 

Yet, Jesus, demonstrated how to turn a tragedy into our redemption. He showed us that no matter what happens in life, we can overcome evil with good. I don’t ever want to minimize the hardships others have encountered throughout their lives, the trail to forgiveness can be steep and intensely difficult climb.

However, we must remember that forgiveness of sins cost Jesus greatly, yet he fought through it to bring us to the entrance of eternal life. Now, we must make that decision, whether or not to accept his efforts and enter. Jesus, would not allow one mans sin to define him; the betrayer cannot be allowed to win, evil must not prevail. So, let us reflect, on the path Jesus take on the cross for our ultimate redemption.

Let us, know that forgiveness is possible, though extremely difficult. Let those who have been the betrayer also understand that redemption is never out of reach. You just have to seek it in Christ.