Betrayal and Denial

Betrayal by Judas; Denial by Peter. 

Notice it wasn't an outsider, but one close to Him.  This is what hurts the most, when those who  are close to you deny you and betray you.  Those who walked with you in the ministry like  both of these men did.  What's most amazing is that Jesus tried to tell both of these men what was happening in their respective lives.   

For Peter, He said: "Tonight all will be offended because of Me.  For as it is written, the Shepherd will be smitten and the sheep will be scattered.  Peter responded, "Though I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in anywise".  Though Jesus tried to show Peter his weakness and the error of his way, his pride and arrogance would not allow him to receive what Jesus' was saying.  Peter would not listen, so he went on to deny the Lord later that night.  As he stood warming himself by an enemies fire the rooster crowed for the second time.  At that very moment Jesus turned and looked directly at him, and he remembered the words of the Lord.  But it was too late!  He had denied the Lord!  He went out and wept bitterly.

Judas made his deal with Chief Priest to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  After the deal was made he came to the Last Supper to eat with Jesus one last time.  At supper, Jesus made the announcement  that one of His disciples would betray Him.  To this Judas responded, "Master, is it I?"  I can't help but notice the hypocrisy of Judas calling Him "Master" knowing that he had already done his dirty work.  At that very moment the band of soldiers were en-root  to arrest Jesus, and Judas knew it.  I guess he felt like he had to "play the game"; he had to somehow feign his allegiance to Jesus.  He slipped away from supper and met up with the mop and approached Jesus later that night.  As he approached Jesus he had already given them the sign of his betrayal; it is the one that I kiss.  So he runs up to Jesus and plants a kiss on the side of His face, again feigning his loyalty.  But Jesus saw right through the lies and hypocrisy and said: "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Jesus sat there at the Passover and entertained His betrayer; the one that He knew had sold Him out.  Jesus hadn't done anything wrong or deserving of such treatment.  Judas sold him out to advance his own agenda and personal well being.  However, it didn't turn out like he'd planned.  Acts 1 tells us that another disciple was chosen to take his place, and the church moved on.  As for Judas, he took back the money, but it was too late.  They would not call off the deal.  Seeing that Jesus was now condemned, Judas went out and hanged himself. 

The difference in the two men is that Peter realized the error of his way.  He wept and cried bitterly because of his denial.  Jesus forgave him and Peter went on to become the greatest leader of the New Testament Church.  Judas, on the other hand took his own life and went into eternity unprepared to meet God.