2 Chron 19-20; John 13:21-38

I once had a good friend.  One day, out of the blue, she told me that she would no longer be my friend.  That was it – just that she wouldn’t be my friend.  Needless to say, I was crushed.  It took a long time to forgive her for the pain she inflicted, and just a bit longer than that for the hurt to go away. Have you ever been surprised when the person you thought was a friend turned out not to be? We don’t see it coming as Jesus did.

Jesus knew that He would be betrayed by one of those whom he lived with and taught for 3 years. He also knew that one of His trusted disciples would deny Him before the night would end.  Two betrayals in one night.  It did not mean that this betrayal didn’t hurt Christ to His very core, but He understood the frailty of the human spirit.

As we approach the Lord’s Table, is there someone that has hurt you deeply?  Have you talked it over with a God who understands your pain? As we remember the Lord’s Supper, think of the forgiveness given Peter – and the mighty rock he became for Christ. It’s time to let the old hurts go and bask in the Lord’s love as you forgive and become whole.

Tags: 2 Chronicles, Bayside Church Woodland, Bible Study, Chronicles, John