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Betrayal in a relationship may be one of the most hurtful emotions we experience. Only someone we have trusted, meaning someone we have allowed into the core of our lives, can cause us to experience this emotion. People who are strangers or acquaintances do not receive this same trust and so they cannot betray that trust.
Jesus had entrusted his life and ministry to the 12 disciples, which included Judas. When Judas arrives with the soldiers, he betrays Jesus with a kiss. With the ancient Hebrews the form of greeting depended upon the relationship of the persons. In the culture of first-century Israel, a kiss on the cheek was a common greeting, a sign of deep respect, honor, and brotherly love. For a student who had great respect for his teacher, a kiss fell well within the healthy expression of honor.
When we refer to the relationships that can cause us to feel betrayal, we recognize these are with our spouse, significant other, family, and closest friends and most especially God. These are the relationships we allow ourselves to have trust in and expectations of the other.
Disappointment may be a less intense emotion, but reflects a similar response to feeling let down, or having our expectations go unmet. This can include our relationship with God.
Recognizing we are human; we know that there will be times that we may disappoint someone who has expectations of us. Author Erich Fromm states that when we are wronged, we want justice. We want the other to experience the eye for an eye. But, he continues, when we wrong someone else we pray for forgiveness. Do we not hope for the other’s understanding and forgiveness?
Thoughts to ponder:
Even if we have been hurt, do we really want to hurt those we love? How does Jesus respond to Judas? Do you think Jesus still had love in his heart for Judas?
When you pray to God, what are your expectations of what will happen? How and where do you look for an answer to your prayer?
Are there places of disappointment in your soul that need to be healed? Is this a need for you to find shalom/peace in your life? Is this a time you need to look at your expectations in a relationship?
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If this experience has raised questions or concerns and you would like to have further conversations, please email srpastor@doveofthedesert.com.
Stations of the Cross at Dove of the Desert UMC 