“Now Jesus was deeply troubled,[a] and he exclaimed, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!’” v. 21
Being betrayed is difficult and comes in many forms. It was hard for Jesus to deal with also. The Greek here says that Jesus was troubled in his spirit. This whole chapter shows Jesus human side with grieving for Lazarus and now being hurt by one of his disciples. Sometimes the people who are closest to us hurt us the most. But the way we respond to this is what is important. Yes, it is hard and hurtful, but how can God use it to bring glory to His name. Jesus knew this had to happen, and for the process of his Crucifixion to take place. He knew that the pain he was going through right now would soon turn into the salvation of those who believed in Him and repented from sin.
Not that we bring salvation to others, but the way we react to hurtful situations says a lot about us and provides an opportunity for us to seek God’s strength during the hurtful time. When we let God take control, He provides the comfort we need to get though the toughest of situations and allows us to let others see God in us. Easy to say . . . Hard to do. Father help me be better at this!
Dan Gould 