Dat 29 of 90 days thru the New Testament
Daily Reading John 18-19
Betrayal has a way of leaving a mark that runs deep. It’s not just disappointment it’s the ache that comes when someone you trusted turns away. I’ve talked to so many people who’ve said that’s why they stopped going to church. Not because they stopped believing in God, but because someone in the church hurt them. And I get it. I’ve felt that sting too. Ive been hurt more times than I can count.
But the more I read through John 18, the more I realize Jesus knew that pain better than anyone.
He knew Judas was going to betray Him.
He knew Peter was going to deny Him.
He knew the same people shouting “Hosanna!” would soon be shouting “Crucify Him!”
And still... He went to that garden.
Still... He allowed Himself to be arrested.
Still...He chose the cross.
He didn’t let betrayal stop Him from loving He loved through it. If anyone ever had a reason to give up on people, it was Jesus. But instead of walking away, He leaned in closer. He looked betrayal in the face and answered it with forgiveness.He looked pain in the eye and answered it with purpose. And He looked at humanity at us and still said, “You’re worth it.”
Maybe that’s what we’re called to do too. Not to pretend it didn’t hurt, but to let love win anyway. To let forgiveness free us from what bitterness wants to chain down.I think sometimes we confuse healing with forgetting. But Jesus didn’t forget. He carried the scars as proof that love outlasts betrayal. Those scars didn’t represent defeat, they represented victory.
That’s what He wants for us too , to stop hiding our scars and start letting them tell the story of how we survived what was meant to destroy us. So if betrayal has left you bruised or church hurt has made you want to walk away, know that Jesus understands. He was betrayed too. And yet, He still chose love. He still chose you. And He’s inviting you to let Him turn your pain into purpose.
I know church hurt is real. It cuts deep because it happens in a place that’s supposed to feel safe. But don’t let someone else’s failure make you miss out on God’s faithfulness. Jesus knew betrayal, and He still showed up , not just for them, but for us.
So maybe today’s the day to take one small step back toward the One who never betrayed you. He’s not waiting for you to pretend you’re fine , He’s waiting to help you heal.
Because even when He knew what was coming...
He still chose love.
And He’s still choosing you.
Love Pastor Mandy
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