“…the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”
Matthew 20:18-19
The betrayal Jesus experienced came from a close friend, and those to whom Jesus was betrayed should have been His friends. But, Jesus said THEY will sentence Him to die and hand Him over to be crucified. The Roman’s crucifixion tore Jesus’ body, but the friend’s betrayal tore His soul.
Most of us have experienced betrayal from those we thought were friends. We didn’t initiate the deep pain we feel—the betrayal was done TO us. Jesus certainly understands that pain—the greatest, most unjust betrayal in history was done TO Him.
If you’ve prayed God would take your pain away, you’re not alone—even Jesus prayed the cup of suffering be taken from Him. But when He surrendered to His Father, the miracle Jesus had promised his disciples took place!
However, I notice Jesus did not make his resurrection happen—Jesus did not raise Himself up. Despite the incredible BETRAYAL that was done TO Him, a far more incredible MIRACLE was done TO Him! Jesus WAS RAISED from the dead by His Father’s power!
I cannot raise myself up either. However, the same mighty Power that raised Jesus up dwells IN me! (Rom. 8:11)
So, no matter what THEY do TO me,
I will trust the One who dwells IN me!
By HIS power—I too will BE raised!
