Jesus Can RelateНамуна

Jesus Can Relate to Feeling Let Down By His Friends

Have you ever been let down by someone you trust? Jesus can relate.

Jesus ministered with a core group for three years. They lived with Him, learned from Him, and probably laughed with Him too. They weren’t just people on a mission. They weren’t just followers, servants, or employees. They were friends, and their friendship helped sustain Jesus in His ministry.

This group included the twelve disciples, as well as women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. They stood beside Jesus as He faced threats and endured criticism. Even when other followers fell away, these people remained faithful to Jesus. John even made a point of sharing how much Jesus loved him as a close friend.

Then, everything changed. On the night Jesus was arrested, the disciples abandoned Him. Jesus knew it would happen, but that didn’t remove the pain of being alone in His hardest moments.

Have you had a moment when you needed a friend, but no one answered the phone? A time when you felt abandoned by the people you thought you could depend on? Jesus can relate.

Today you’ll read about Jesus’ friends. They made promises and then broke them. You’ll also read about how Jesus responded to their broken promises. Jesus didn’t shame them. Instead, he offered them another chance.

Relationships are a risk—no one is perfect, and even the people we trust can fail us. But it’s a risk worth taking. If we don’t form trusted relationships, we miss out on an essential part of being human.

Fear of betrayal is real, and Jesus knows what it’s like to be betrayed. But despite the risk, Jesus still chose to trust again. Giving someone another chance isn’t excusing what they did; it’s simply believing that they can do better in the future. Of course, setting healthy boundaries is important. If someone regularly betrays your trust, it may be a sign you need to love them from a distance.

Let’s follow Jesus’ lead and take a bold step of trust. Let’s wisely believe the best about others and allow trust to fuel meaningful relationships.

Pray: Dear God, You know what it’s like to be let down by people. Please help me to heal from broken trust in the past, and learn how to extend trust again. In Jesus’ name, amen.