We’ve been talking about difficult circumstances and how we deal with them. I believe it still does come down to whether or not we will believe God to come through for us.
It occurred to me that two men betrayed Jesus. Two men who were as close to Him as brothers. Every day, they walked with Him and listened to Him as He taught the crowds the Words of Wisdom. One would think that they, of all people, would never be disappointed.
When the time came, Judas and Peter both betrayed their Friend. Loyalty only went as far as their own self-interest. Judas betrayed Him because Jesus did not pick up a literal sword and go after the oppressing government. Judas was a revolutionary and wanted a leader to fight for freedom in the here and now. When nothing turned out like he planned, rather than face the consequences, Judas killed himself.
Peter had no specific agenda except fear. He betrayed Jesus because He was accused of being with Jesus and if he admitted to it, he was afraid they would kill him. So, he sacrificed his Friend Jesus to save his own skin. After cock crowed and Jesus was brought out, how His look pierced through Peter’s heart. We know it, because we read how he wept in remorse.
Disappointment. Failure. Betrayal.
Both men betrayed Jesus, but their heart issues set them apart from each other. Peter wrestled with his repentance. Judas ran from facing it. After His Resurrection, Jesus confronted Peter with his betrayal, restored him to friendship and gave him a commission to fulfill for Him. Peter was then ready to serve fully. I wonder, if Judas had worked through what happened, repented in his sorrow, would Jesus have restored him to friendship as well? I believe He would have done so.
It made me look at my heart. I want restoration when I am the betrayer. But what if I am the betrayed? How do I restore others who might betray me? What if the one who betrayed does not come to me in repentance, will I forgive and restore him or her?
Jesus did.
“Feed my lambs,” John 21:15. “Tend my sheep,” John 21:16. “Feed my sheep,” John 21:17.
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