“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9)
Jesus had twelve disciples. This group of men followed him during his entire ministry, and Jesus called them his friends. But Jesus knew that one of them would betray him.
The religious leaders in Jerusalem were so frustrated about Jesus’ claims and teaching, which were supported by his miracles, that they plotted to kill him. Their enmity was clear from the beginning, they just had to find an opportunity to arrest him without causing an uproar. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, promised to deliver Jesus over to them. When he had found an opportunity to do so, he betrayed his Master with a kiss. Jesus knew what Judas was doing. And yet, He said: “Friend, do what you came to do.” (Matthew 26:50)
Facing enmity is never pleasant, but being betrayed by a close friend is even more painful! It deeply hurts if someone
who we trust and love, turns out to be our enemy.
Have you ever been treated badly by a close friend?