“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place…” (John 18:1-2a).

Betrayal.

The dictionary defines it as a verb meaning “to deliver or expose to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty. To reveal; disclose.” That, my friends, is a cold, hard definition. It comes straight out of the dictionary.

But I can tell you that for those who have experienced betrayal, this definition doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the pain, heartache, and stark grief that betrayal brings. It is an awful thing. As a counseling pastor, I have sat across from individuals that have experienced this dreadful hurt.

For some it was betrayal in marriage. Others felt betrayed by a child. Still others by a co-worker in their field of employment. Such treachery is so devastating. Perhaps you have been betrayed. Perhaps you don’t talk about it, and maybe you have never shared the details with anyone. But sometime in your past perhaps you experienced this and have never gotten over it.

I am in no way minimizing your hurt; however, I do want to maximize the wonderful truth that the Lord Jesus understands you. He wants to enter a special fellowship of sharing your hurt and restoring your heart. He has truly experienced all the hurt you have suffered, according to Hebrews 4:15. Give it to Him. He really understands.

If you have been betrayed, may I tenderly remind you of this. What a wonderful Lord and Savior He is. He truly understands us and yet He still loves us!