There are two independent, yet somewhat similar stories in the Bible. The main characters in these stories, though different, had adequate exposure to the same people and the series of events that characterize both stories happened around the same time and in the same jurisdiction. 

The lessons gleaned from a juxtaposition of both stories are invaluable and instructive. So, stay with me…

Judas Iscariot is a terribly disliked character in the Bible. Very rarely is he the subject of any teaching or Biblical exposition. To many of us he is the villain; the evil one! I won’t attempt to be a Judas apologist. I won’t even dare to speak on his behalf or venture into the delicate conversation of pre-destination and what nots. That will not be the purpose of this exposition.

Another widely loved and adored character in the New Testament is Simon Peter. One of Jesus’ most loyal disciples. An ever-present member of the inner circle of three. The one documented to have walked on water with Jesus (yeah, we know he sank at a point) and the very man through which the revelation of Jesus’ person was communicated through. Before the Rock (Dwayne Johnson), there was the ROCK (Simon PETER)

The characters introduced so far were disciples of Jesus (such a privilege) and had seen Him teach, instruct and perform mighty works. They dined with him, had their feet washed by him and had conversations with him for three years. They literally encountered God.

In Matthew 26, Jesus actually addresses these two disciples at supper. In verse 21, he mentions that Judas will betray him and then he further highlights in verse 34, that Peter will deny him.  In the same breath, Jesus foretells and as it were, warns two of his closest friends, of the treason they will soon commit. The rest is history… 

The lesson here today is not in the focusing of their betrayal (in any case denial is betrayal as well). The lesson is in the aftermath of their “moments of weakness.”

After both incidents occurred, the Bible emphatically states that both Judas and Peter were filled with remorse. In Matthew 26:75, Peter is said to have wept bitterly after denying Jesus three times. Similarly, in Matthew 27:3, Judas was filled with remorse – so much that he returned the thirty pieces of silver. 

Neither of them could put up with the fact that they had done this to Jesus. Neither of them was proud of themselves. Both of them felt like the worst people on Earth and both of them wept bitterly!

Interestingly, after this show of immense remorse, at the next mention of Judas in the Bible, he hanged himself. I bet the cloud of guilt over his head was so dense, he could not live with himself.  The shame, the guilt, the feeling of condemnation and unworthiness that haunted him had gotten the better of him!

The next time we hear of Peter again, he is in the company of the eleven disciples and eventually present when Jesus appears after the resurrection. I can imagine the heaviness in Peter’s heart when his eyes met that of the Lord’s. The shame, the guilt, the feeling of condemnation and unworthiness that haunted him.

I bet more than once (maybe three times, LOL) he wanted the earth to open and swallow Him! But with this feeling of unworthiness, he remained in the company of the eleven. (side note: the company you keep in your lowly moments is super important). Soon after, Jesus addresses Peter (John 21:15) and asks him, “Do you love me?” Not once, not twice but three times. The exact number of times Peter denied Jesus. Coincidence? I don’t think so. 

I believe Jesus was communicating to Peter and by extension us that, “you may have betrayed and denied me three times but here I am giving you exact same number of opportunities you think you threw away to declare your love for me.”

As history documents Peter goes on to do amazing things for Jesus! He decided that his notable past history of denying Jesus would not define the trajectory of his walk with God.

Dear friends, like Judas, we have sold Jesus out for less than 30 pieces of silver and like Peter, we denied him more than three times. In fact, by our actions, we have put Him up on the stock exchange and negotiated trades for Him.

Many of us may have been overcome by extreme guilt and the feeling of unworthiness. We are disappointed in ourselves for disappointing Him and rightfully so. For believers, our consciences bear witness with us when we miss the mark. 

However, like Peter, Jesus holds no grudge against you. Nothing you have done, are doing or will do will separate you from His Love (Romans 8:38). It’s an inseparable bond! When He chose the cross, He duly acknowledged that you were not great enough to live a flawless life. In fact, He chose you knowing fully well that you can never measure up to His standards by your own ability! 

I know you feel bad and guilty but like Peter remain! Feel bad but remain! Feel guilty but remain! Choose to remain with the 11 and He that visited the 11 and reminded Peter of his love for Him will remind you also.

Nothing you can do surprises God! 

In all sincerity, I pray we do not deny Jesus in our dealings and our daily activities but even if we do, remember you have an advocate with the Father, Jesus himself. (1 John 2:1)

He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins— and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. I love that the verb “atone” is used in the present tense. He is presently atoning for your sins! In the future, He will presently atone. When the past was present, he did atone for our sins! 

Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice and His sacrifice is perfect and enough. 

So dear friend, after the cock crows, do not run away. Remember, He still loves you!

After the cock crows…