Part 9 of 11 part series: A Biblical Path to Healing
By Susan Adeyemi, Counsellor, & Author
- Finding Comfort in Jesus’s Example
- 1. Jesus Was Betrayed by a Close Friend
- 2. Jesus Faced Desertion, Not Just Betrayal
- 3. Jesus Did Not Retaliate
- 4. Jesus Chose Forgiveness
- 5. Jesus Brings Healing to Our Betrayal
- Conclusion: We Are Not Alone
- Reflect and Share
- Related Articles
Last week, we continued on the topic of betrayal where we explored the possibility of rebuilding trust again after being betrayed. We looked at areas where a wounded person may choose to build walls, bridges, with the aim of not getting hurt again. Though safe, if walls and bridges are built for self-preservation, it could affect your ability to heal and recover because shutting people out only undermines the full potential to heal and be restored back to healthy relationships.This week, we would learn about an incredible man who was betrayed by 30 pieces of silver and a kiss. Jesus, saviour of the world.
Many people don’t realise how much of an indelible mark betrayal leaves on the person that experienced this level of pain until they consciously take the time needed to acknowledge, reflect, learn from the experience and heal. So, if you have ever experienced betrayal in the past and feel like you struggle to trust people again, you’re not alone.
In other articles, I talk about narcissistic abuse and how to heal from it. I refer to narcissistic abuse because when an individual becomes free of that experience, one of the emotions they would come in contact with as they begin healing is a sense of deep betrayal. They may have questions like, ‘was the relationship ever real’, ‘did the accused know all along that he/she was not invested long term in the relationship?’, ‘was I deceived all those years?’. I also share a brief snippet of my own personal story, and some difficult emotions I had to wrestle with on the onset of my healing journey – HERE.
Finding Comfort in Jesus’s Example
Betrayal can feel like one of the loneliest experiences in life. When someone close to us turns away, breaks trust, or wounds us deeply, it is easy to think, “No one understands what I’m going through.”
But the truth is, Jesus does. He knows the sting of betrayal more than anyone, and His response gives us both comfort and a model for how we can face it with faith.
1. Jesus Was Betrayed by a Close Friend
Judas wasn’t a stranger, he was one of the twelve disciples, part of Jesus’ inner circle. He shared meals, walked with Him, and witnessed His miracles. Yet Judas betrayed Him with a kiss (Luke 22:47–48).
David’s psalm foreshadowed this moment:
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” – Psalm 41:9
Jesus knows what it feels like when the ones closest to us cause the deepest wounds.
2. Jesus Faced Desertion, Not Just Betrayal
It wasn’t only Judas. When Jesus was arrested, all His disciples fled (Mark 14:50). Peter, who boldly declared he’d never deny Him, disowned Him three times before morning.
Betrayal is painful, but so is abandonment. Jesus experienced both. He knows the ache of being left alone in a moment of need.
3. Jesus Did Not Retaliate
When betrayed, our instinct is often revenge or defense. Yet Jesus responded differently. When soldiers came to arrest Him, Peter struck one with a sword, but Jesus healed the man (Luke 22:50–51).
Instead of lashing out, He submitted to the Father’s will. His example shows us that while betrayal hurts, we are not called to repay evil with evil.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – 1 Peter 2:23
4. Jesus Chose Forgiveness
On the cross, betrayed, mocked, and abandoned, Jesus prayed:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34
Forgiveness doesn’t mean the betrayal was small or insignificant, it means choosing freedom over bitterness, and placing justice in God’s hands.
If Jesus could forgive betrayal of such depth, He empowers us, through His Spirit, to forgive as well.
5. Jesus Brings Healing to Our Betrayal
Perhaps the most comforting truth is this: because Jesus endured betrayal, He can heal ours.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are; yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
He not only understands our pain; He meets us in it. Betrayal doesn’t have the final word, redemption does.
Conclusion: We Are Not Alone
When betrayal cuts deep, remember this: Jesus knows. He has walked that path. He has felt that sting. And He shows us that betrayal can become a place where God’s love, forgiveness, and healing shine brightest.
Your hurt is real, but so is His comfort. Your trust may have been broken, but His faithfulness never will.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
Reflect and Share
- Which part of Jesus’ example speaks most to you when you think of betrayal?
- How has His response encouraged you to respond differently to hurt?
Next Steps
- Download a copy of “Managing Negative Emotions Guide”
- Join my community to engage in prayers and accountability.
Book a free 30 minutes consultation with me (below) to unpack negative thinking patterns.
Share your reflections below, your journey may be the encouragement someone else needs to keep trusting God through their own season of betrayal.
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