March 14: Wilderness Challenge / Tips for Someone Who's Been Stabbed in the Back by a Close Friend

Mark 14:1-26

Amplified Bible (AMP)

14 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were all the while seeking to arrest [Jesus] by secrecy and deceit and put [Him] to death,

2 For they kept saying, It must not be during the Feast, for fear that there might be a riot of the people.

3 And while He was in Bethany, [a guest] in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining [at table], a woman came with an alabaster jar of ointment (perfume) of pure nard, very costly and precious; and she broke the jar and poured [the perfume] over His head.

4 But there were some who were moved with indignation and said to themselves, To what purpose was the ointment (perfume) thus wasted?

5 For it was possible to have sold this [perfume] for more than 300 denarii [a laboring man’s wages for a year] and to have given [the money] to the poor. And they censured and reproved her.

6 But Jesus said, Let her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me [praiseworthy and noble].

7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you will not always have Me.

8 She has done what she could; she came beforehand to anoint My body for the burial.

9 And surely I tell you, wherever the good news (the Gospel) is proclaimed in the entire world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve [apostles], went off to the chief priests in order to betray and hand Him over to them.

11 And when they heard it, they rejoiced and were delighted, and they promised to give him money. And he [busying himself continually] sought an opportunity to betray Him.

12 On the first day [of the Feast] of Unleavened Bread, when [as was customary] they killed the Passover lamb, [Jesus’] disciples said to Him, Where do You wish us to go [and] prepare the Passover [supper] for You to eat?

13 And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, Go into the city, and a man carrying an [earthen] jar or pitcher of water will meet you; follow him.

14 And whatever [house] he enters, say to the master of the house, The Teacher says: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover [supper] with My disciples?

15 And he will [himself] show you a large upper room, furnished [with carpets and with dining couches properly spread] and ready; there prepare for us.

16 Then the disciples set out and came to the city and found [everything] just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

17 And when it was evening, He came with the Twelve [apostles].

18 And while they were at the table eating, Jesus said, Surely I say to you, one of you will betray Me, [one] who is eating [here] with Me.

19 And they began to show that they were sad and hurt, and to say to Him one after another, Is it I? or, It is not I, is it?

20 He replied to them, It is one of the Twelve [apostles], one who is dipping [bread] into the [same deep] dish with Me.

21 For the Son of Man is going as it stands written concerning Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good (profitable and wholesome) for that man if he had never been born.

22 And while they were eating, He took a loaf [of bread], praised God and gave thanks and asked Him to bless it to their use. [Then] He broke [it] and gave to them and said, Take. Eat. This is My body.

23 He also took a cup [of the juice of grapes], and when He had given thanks, He gave [it] to them, and they all drank of it.

24 And He said to them, This is My blood [which ratifies] the new covenant, [the blood] which is being poured out for (on account of) many.

25 Solemnly and surely I tell you, I shall not again drink of the fruit of the vine till that day when I drink it of a new and a higher quality in God’s kingdom.

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Don't be shocked when you are betrayed. It happened to the Best of us. Jesus Christ. And don't feel like you have to hurt the betrayer back even though you may think this will somehow make you feel better. It won't make you feel better. Only worse. And it will keep everything stirred up. Oh and you don't need to explain to everyone what is going on. Or try to gather support from the rest of your family or friends. That doesn't work out either. What happens is whoever listens to "your side of the story" simply goes back and shares everything with your betrayer. And more hurtful words are said and the hurt gets deeper and spreads wider. 
Oh I know it hurts. Real bad. Just wait. Self medicating with food, drugs, partying or whatever else you like to do will ease the pain for only a moment, then it will hit you harder and stronger. Instead, embrace the pain. Give it all to Jesus. Pour your heart out to the Lover of your soul.
Jesus knew he would be betrayed. And He knew who would betray Him. Here's a thought! Just stay close to Jesus. He knows who will betray you before it even happens! He will give you wisdom to get through it. 
Just be kind. And smile through the pain. And hold your head up. Endure. On the other side of everything, you will come out looking good. Very good. And don't you worry, Jesus will take care of the betrayer in His time. Let it go. Turn the betrayer over to Jesus. And love everybody, even those who side with the betrayer. They will come back around. Who knows when? It doesn't matter. Just cling to Jesus.
"Dear Jesus, it hurts so bad. How could they do this to me? I loved and they responded by cutting me to pieces and then laughing at my pain. But You know exactly what this feels like. Please just get me through this day, a moment at a time. I can't do this without You by my side. Please take the anger and hatred I feel. It's killing me. I need You more than ever before, Jesus. Please! I'm begging You. Oh, and I will praise and worship You through this storm. Because You are worthy. AMEN."