God’s grief when he is betrayed or rejected
by Norma Koehne
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfil this passage of Scripture, ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me’ (John 13:18).
Read John 13:18–30
How hurtful it is when someone we have had a close relationship with rejects us suddenly or shares a secret we have told them, or we hear them speaking badly about us. How much more can we understand that Jesus was troubled in spirit as he knew Judas would soon betray him to those wanting to kill him? He spent two to three years walking the country with this man. Judas saw the miracles Jesus had performed and had been privileged to sit at his feet and be taught by him. We may speculate about the reasons Judas had for betraying Jesus, but ultimately, we are not told his motive.
Even at this time, Jesus was thinking of preparing his disciples by showing them that he knew ahead of time this would happen. He was reinforcing the fact that he was truly God as well as truly human. They would see Judas’ betrayal and its results. By telling them about it beforehand, he showed he was in control and knew this would happen.
I am sure many of us grieve over family members who have rejected their faith and turned away from Christ. Be assured God’s grief is even greater than ours. With earnest prayers, we need to plead for them that the Holy Spirit may change their hearts. Additionally, our faithful witness and sharing the love of Christ with them shows them how important our faith is to us. As we know from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God will never reject them but is waiting with open arms when they repent and turn back. And we are told, ‘there is joy among the angels of God over one sinner who repents’ (Luke 15:10). Let us follow God’s example and never let go of those who need our love and prayers.
Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have betrayed you by keeping silent instead of acknowledging you before others. Help me to keep those close to me in my prayers, especially if they have turned away from Christ. May your Holy Spirit change their hearts to come back to you. Amen.
Norma grew up at Koonibba in South Australia. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an international student advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Council and Seminary Council and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
