Suffering and sin are guaranteed in this life. Bummer, right? How should we respond? Two examples of how we might respond to the suffering and sin in our lives come from two of Jesus's disciples. Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus, but their responses were vastly different.
In all four Gospels, Peter and Judas betray Jesus. Peter confidently declares that he would never deny Christ, saying "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you" (Matt. 26: 35). Ironically, that same night Peter would deny knowing Jesus three times. We know that, after he realized what he had done, Peter "wept bitterly" (Matt. 26: 75). Judas, after being offered thirty pieces of silver, sought to identify Jesus in front of the authorities who were out to get him. After betraying Jesus however, Matthew writes that Judas felt extreme regret saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood", and by trying to give back the silver previously taken as a reward for his betrayal (Matt. 27: 3-4). Judas, overwhelmed by the weight of his sin, then went and hanged himself.
Both Peter and Judas were beside themselves, filled with guilt, ashamed, and probably disgusted with themselves. However, their responses mean the difference between forgiveness and salvation in Jesus, and letting the enemy win. As we know, Judas hanged himself in response. Peter on the other hand has a much different response. After feeling the despair of both his denial and the death of Jesus, the two meet again after the resurrection. Jesus restores Peter, they exchange tender words, and Peter is charged with living out and sharing the message of the Gospel to the world (John 21: 15-19).
It would have been very easy for Peter to have walked away from God, feeling unworthy and unforgivable. In out own lives, we can feel unworthy of forgiveness for a number of reasons just like Peter and Judas did. However, by the power of the cross, forgiveness and salvation is available for everyone, no matter what. Jesus always wants you to run to him, so how will you respond?
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