Church of the Nazarene - East Rock
Healing Fractured Relationships, Part 2: Betrayal
Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed.
Locations & Times
Church of The Nazarene- East Rock
East Side Hwy, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Welcome to our journey into a series we are calling "Healing Fractured Relationships". Together we are seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance for our relationships: all relationships. Why? Because all relationships matter.
Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting.
Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting.
Whoever those people are that matter most to you, that's who we are talking about today and in the weeks to come. And most specifically, we are talking about relationships in our lives that are hurting.
Each week, as we talk about relationships, we will talk about specific tools that can help us. God's Word has truth for us, tools for us, regarding our relationships, especially those that are hurting.
Betrayal. It’s one of the worst words in the English language.
And you know that, especially if you’ve experienced it
Betrayal is said to be one of the worst kinds of emotional pain a human being can experience. Betrayal comes from broken or abused trust.
It’s often caused by those in close relationship with us. And it hurts.
At first glance you might say that Jesus didn’t respond to his betrayal.
While it's true he didn’t respond like we might, he responded showing us a different way.
Jesus responds to the worst most famous betrayal in human history in a way that still confounds the typical human. His response isn’t man’s response to the pain of betrayal – it’s God’s.
And you know that, especially if you’ve experienced it
Betrayal is said to be one of the worst kinds of emotional pain a human being can experience. Betrayal comes from broken or abused trust.
It’s often caused by those in close relationship with us. And it hurts.
At first glance you might say that Jesus didn’t respond to his betrayal.
While it's true he didn’t respond like we might, he responded showing us a different way.
Jesus responds to the worst most famous betrayal in human history in a way that still confounds the typical human. His response isn’t man’s response to the pain of betrayal – it’s God’s.
Today we are talking about betrayal. So long as we engage in relationships here on earth, it’s likely we will encounter betrayal. But what is it?
Betrayal in its most simple definition it’s a broken or abused trust.
In our relationships betrayal can be little white lies, hidden secrets or problems. Little mini betrayals, all serving to erode the foundation of trust.
Betrayal can also be huge. Infidelity in a close and personal relationship. Getting passed over for the promotion at work after being promised it was yours. Broken promises and plans
Betrayal can also be an accident. Sometimes it comes through a stupid mistake, something we didn’t intend.
On purpose or by accident, big or small, betrayal always hurts, and it always threatens to fracture a relationship. Whether we are betrayed or not is usually out of our control.
But our response to betrayal is always a choice we make.
Today, we want to journey together to see Jesus’ response to betrayal not just to Judas, but also to the betrayal of a close friend.
Betrayal in its most simple definition it’s a broken or abused trust.
In our relationships betrayal can be little white lies, hidden secrets or problems. Little mini betrayals, all serving to erode the foundation of trust.
Betrayal can also be huge. Infidelity in a close and personal relationship. Getting passed over for the promotion at work after being promised it was yours. Broken promises and plans
Betrayal can also be an accident. Sometimes it comes through a stupid mistake, something we didn’t intend.
On purpose or by accident, big or small, betrayal always hurts, and it always threatens to fracture a relationship. Whether we are betrayed or not is usually out of our control.
But our response to betrayal is always a choice we make.
Today, we want to journey together to see Jesus’ response to betrayal not just to Judas, but also to the betrayal of a close friend.
Peter never thought he would end up here. Judas, sure- he sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. But not Peter. Even though Jesus tried to warn him, Peter never saw it coming. Betrayal, of the worst kind, in the worst moment.
How would you respond if you were in Jesus shoes?
Jesus doesn’t seek revenge, doesn’t lash out, he doesn’t belittle Peter for his lack of faith. From here, the narrative turns away from Peter and follows Jesus through the crucifixion.
If we didn’t now what we know, it would have been fair to ask at that moment: Is that the end of Peter?
How would you respond if you were in Jesus shoes?
Jesus doesn’t seek revenge, doesn’t lash out, he doesn’t belittle Peter for his lack of faith. From here, the narrative turns away from Peter and follows Jesus through the crucifixion.
If we didn’t now what we know, it would have been fair to ask at that moment: Is that the end of Peter?
How did Jesus respond to betrayal?
By extending grace- by forgiving- by restoring relationship
Friends, that’s the same choice he made when we betrayed him.
Each and every one of us has betrayed Christ- with bad decisions, selfish actions and greedy hearts. We are all betrayers How did Christ respond to you?
By extending grace- by forgiving- by restoring relationship
Friends, that’s the same choice he made when we betrayed him.
Each and every one of us has betrayed Christ- with bad decisions, selfish actions and greedy hearts. We are all betrayers How did Christ respond to you?
Wherever you are in your journey with betrayal, can I offer you one compassionate truth from today? Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed.
He knows the pain your going through, he knows the feelings your processing, he knows.
Will you trust him in the midst of your pain? Will you tell him how you feel, let it all out, don’t hold back.
The truth is, you can’t respond to betrayal like Jesus, without Jesus. He’s the only source of such power. If you know full well the pain of being betrayed, will you bring that before the Lord and begin the journey to laying it down?
Say to your Savior, “Lord, you’re the expert in handling betrayal, so I give you mine today.”
Jesus knows what it's like to be betrayed, you can trust him with yours.
He knows the pain your going through, he knows the feelings your processing, he knows.
Will you trust him in the midst of your pain? Will you tell him how you feel, let it all out, don’t hold back.
The truth is, you can’t respond to betrayal like Jesus, without Jesus. He’s the only source of such power. If you know full well the pain of being betrayed, will you bring that before the Lord and begin the journey to laying it down?
Say to your Savior, “Lord, you’re the expert in handling betrayal, so I give you mine today.”
Jesus knows what it's like to be betrayed, you can trust him with yours.
Updates on the new Waynesboro campus
God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey! <br> Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey.
https://www.cotnaz.org/waynesboro/Giving at COTN
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