Mark 14:12-31

“Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.’ And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, ‘Is it I?’ And another said, ‘Is it I?’” (Mark 14:18–19, NKJV)

For three and a half years, the disciples had been with Jesus. They had watched Him in almost every conceivable situation. Despite their differences, they had grown close as a team. They understood the mounting opposition against Jesus from the chief priests and Pharisees, and it was unthinkable that one of them would betray Him. So, when Jesus said these words, they were shocked and sorrowful. They started searching their own hearts. Could it be me?

Each of us knows his own faults and weaknesses. With age, humility ought to come, because we know many times when we have missed the mark. We have responded to the call to follow Jesus, but we sometimes choose our own way rather than His way. Perhaps this is the reason each of the disciples said to Jesus, “Is it I?” They could not imagine betraying Jesus, but they also knew the deceptiveness of their own hearts.

As I have been a pastor for nearly four decades, I have seen many people come and go. They seemed to be loyal, but they turned and left when we disagreed. You learn that you don’t really know a person until you have been with him or her for many years. Rejection, betrayal, and slander are never pleasant, but if we submit to God, they form the character of Christ in us. Jesus learned obedience through the things that He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

Have you been betrayed by friends? Then you are in good company. Do not seek revenge. Do not rejoice when they fall. Instead, pray for them that God would have His perfect way in their lives. Love your enemies, and watch God turn the bitterness of betrayal into the beautiful and glorious character of Christ.