It was another beautiful day, and John was out eating with his friends. Then he noticed someone sitting alone at a table. His attention was caught because, among the many people enjoying their meals, this person was the only one eating by himself. While John was happily chatting with his group, this guy sat in solitude.
The next day, John saw him again—this time on campus. It turned out that they were enrolled in the same school. His name was Jude.
John hadn’t noticed him before because Jude usually stayed inside the classroom. He didn’t have any friends and seemed to struggle with socializing. He was an introvert. And as introverts often do, he kept to himself, waiting to be approached rather than reaching out.
John felt pity for him. So he decided to befriend him—he “adopted” Jude into his circle. Jude was overjoyed.
Months passed, and Jude became an active part of John’s group. He was always available whenever invited. John wasn’t his only friend now. Jude got introduced to John’s other friends, even to his girlfriend, Claire, and his family. Jude became like family. From someone who used to eat alone in restaurants, he now had companionship—thanks to John.
While John was happy being surrounded by friends, someone wasn’t. That someone was Claire, his girlfriend. She told John that she felt left out. He hadn’t realized he had been ignoring her, especially since she was often present with the group. She even looked happy when they were all together. John had no idea there was a problem brewing.
Claire wanted to end the relationship. John tried to make it up to her, suggesting they take a break—a cool-off period. But Claire had already made up her mind. She wanted to break up for good.
John was devastated. Claire wasn’t just a girlfriend; she was the woman he hoped to marry. They were both close to each other’s families. But he let her go. Because for John, true love means freedom—and if she’d be happier with someone else, he wouldn’t stand in the way.
One day, months after the breakup, John decided to go out alone. He was still grieving and felt the need to heal by himself this time. Pretending to be okay while laughing with friends wasn’t helping. The pain still felt fresh, like it happened yesterday.
He tried a newly opened restaurant—quiet and uncrowded, just the way he liked it. He picked a seat at the far end and asked the waiter for the menu. While scanning it, he looked up and noticed a familiar figure. Sitting alone, just like the first time he saw him—it looked like Jude.
But it couldn’t be. Jude wouldn’t be alone now—not after everything John had done to include him. He looked back at the menu, unsure of what to make of the situation.
Then someone joined the man at his table—a woman. John couldn’t see her clearly at first because she was behind the man. If that is Jude, he thought, good for him. Maybe he has a girlfriend now.
Feeling a little comforted by the thought, John asked for the drinks menu. As the waiter handed it to him, the woman who had just joined the table stood up. From afar, something about her felt familiar—her figure, her dress, the way she carried herself. Could it be…?
She was walking toward John’s direction—heading to the restroom. John tried to shield himself behind the menu, hoping she wouldn’t notice him. But as she came closer, he stole a peek.
His heart dropped. It was Claire.John’s hands trembled, and he almost dropped the menu. What were the odds? Of all the places she could be—why here? And with a man?
As soon as Claire entered the restroom, John stood up. He had to find out who the man was. With whatever courage he had left, he walked toward the table.
As he got closer, his knees weakened. It was Jude. He tried to hide his shock and approached with a smile.
“Hey bro!” John greeted, trying to act cheerful.
Jude looked like he had seen a ghost. But he faked a smile and stood to hug John. They had just gone fishing with friends a few days ago. Jude had been one of the people helping John through his heartbreak.
Why was he here? With Claire? As they exchanged small talk, Claire returned. Her eyes widened when she saw them together.
“Jo-John!” she stuttered. She looked just as shocked.
Before Claire could say anything, Jude stepped in and said, “Sorry bro… she’s my girlfriend now.”
What?! John could only manage to blurt out.
“John, let me explain!” Claire added quickly.
“Explain what, Claire?” he asked, his voice cracking.
With trembling words, Claire confessed. Jude had been with her the whole time. He had told her about John’s flaws, pointing out all the things John supposedly lacked. He promised her that he would be a better partner.
John couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Jude—someone he treated like a brother—was the reason Claire left.
He stood there in disbelief. Then, without another word, he went back to his table, asked to have his food packed to go, and left the restaurant.
He had come here hoping to heal from heartbreak—now he had to heal from betrayal too.
Betrayal — whether it’s about money, relationships, or trust—is one of the ugliest things in life. And it only comes from those closest to us. That’s what makes it so painful. The people we trust, invest in, and love—they are the ones capable of hurting us deeply.
Betrayal is one of the enemy’s most powerful weapons. He has used it time and time again—even on the people of God.
So how do we deal with betrayal? Let’s learn from someone who was also betrayed—Jesus. The very reason we observe the Lenten Season is rooted in this moment.
- Acknowledge and accept. Acknowledge that some people may be used by the enemy to hurt us. And accept that God allows certain painful situations to happen for a reason. Jesus acknowledged Judas’ betrayal and accepted it.
- Avoid retaliation. It’s not your job to get even. Vengeance belongs to God. He will repay.
As the Bible says: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
— Romans 12:19 (NKJV) - Ask God to forgive them.
When Jesus was betrayed, it led to crucifixion—a far deeper pain.
Yet, even while He was hanging on the cross, He said: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’”
— Luke 23:34 (NKJV)
Most people who betray us don’t realize the full extent of the pain they cause.
They’ve been blinded—by pride, by hurt, or by the enemy himself.
- Trust God’s purpose.
Though you may not understand it now, God always has a reason.
Maybe He allowed this betrayal to draw you closer to Him.
And in the process, you become more like Him.
It’s always for a greater purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
If Judas hadn’t betrayed Jesus, we wouldn’t have access to eternal life.
That betrayal—painful as it was—played a part in God’s divine plan of salvation.
A higher level of pain requires a higher level of love.
And a higher level of love requires help from above.
God alone can help you through betrayal. He experienced it Himself. He understands. He is just. (Cecilia Benlota)
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Cecilia G. Benlota is a licensed professional teacher at the College of Computer Studies of Foundation University.
