A Journey To The Cross

Station 9: BETRAYAL

Read Luke 22:47-62. Jesus was betrayed not only by Judas, but abandoned by the rest of his friends. First, imagine that you are with the disciples who run away in fear. How often have we felt unfaithful to God? What is Jesus's response to us despite our moments of fear?

Now imagine this through the eyes of Jesus. Keep in mind that these things happened within 24 hours of His last supper with these same friends. He KNEW that Judas would betray him and that Peter would deny Him before they broke bread. How many of us would have skipped that last supper if we knew our friends were going to betray us that same day?

Jesus has already felt the crippling weight of the world on His shoulders, and now He is alone in His greatest moment of need. When have you felt defeated, alone, abandoned, or rejected? Read some of the words of despair on the wall, and take a moment to enter the dark canopy if you are able. Sit for a moment in the darkness imagining the isolation and despair Jesus might have felt. If you are feeling the crippling weight of betrayal, fear, or despair in your life, take a moment to remember that Jesus never turned His back on you and never will.

Scripture Reading

Bonus For Kids

After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus's friend, Judas, betrayed him by leading an army to arrest Him. These soldiers led him away, and all his other friends ran away because they were afraid. Then, one of Jesus' best friends, Peter, told everyone that he never even knew Jesus because he was afraid of what the people would say or do.

Have you ever had a friend who betrayed you by sharing your secret, leaving you out, or making fun of you in front of others? How did that feel? Draw a picture or write about it in your book.

Take a moment to walk into the dark tent and think about how alone and dark Jesus must have felt when his friends left and betrayed him. Did you know that no matter who lets you down, Jesus will never leave you? How does that make you feel? Take a sticker to remember this station!