“Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance.” Luke 22:54 ESV
Reflection: why is it hard to admit being wrong?
Perhaps the most significant obstacle standing in the way of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is human pride. It prevents many from accepting their own situation, that we are all sinners, and “fall short of the glory of God”. We all have experienced the difficulty in admitting that we are wrong, to ask for forgiveness, and reconcile with whom we have wronged. It requires humility on our part, which is counter to our flesh. But humility is a fundamental step in becoming a Christian, and to be a follower of Christ. The Bible uses the term “repentance” frequently, which is the acceptance of being wrong, of taking responsibility for being wrong. And with a humble and sincere heart, to turn around.
We looked previously at the story of Judas, and his betrayal of Jesus. As Jesus was captured by the religious leaders, there is another “disciple story” unfolding. At the Passover meal, Judas had been told by Jesus that he was going to betray Jesus. Which he did. And you might remember that there also was an exchange with Peter around the table at the Passover meal. Let’s read. ““Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”” Luke 22:31-34 ESV. Like Judas, Peter had also been told he was going to turn his back on Jesus. Which he did; three times. It is important that we understand that both Judas and Peter deeply wronged Jesus.
But there is a huge difference in how these two stories ended.
Let’s pick up the story after Peter had denied Jesus for the third time. “But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:60-62 ESV. All Jesus had to do was to look at Peter, and it broke him. We can image a look of deep sorrow, yet deep love for Peter. And Peter at that moment realized what he had done. He accepted responsibility for his wrong, which is the beginning of reconciliation. David wrote,
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 ESV
A broken Peter, filled with sorrow for his actions, of denying Jesus, wept bitterly. In the other story, Judas’ heart was by contrast hardened through his betrayal. Judas might have realized his wrong, but tried to “fix” his error by giving back the money to the religious leaders. Judas heart was not broken before the one he had wronged. He never turned to the Lord with a broken heart from his actions. While Jesus atonement and reconciliation was available for both Peter as for Judas, these two men chose differently. Luke picks up the story of Peter again early on resurrection morning. “But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.” Luke 24:12 ESV. And this man, Peter, who denied Jesus after walking with him for three years, was the man who Jesus had previously said “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 ESV. While Judas was selfish and proud and ultimately failed, the journey for Peter was also long and difficult. It involved his faith being severely tested. But while Peter did fall, he realized and accepted his error. And with a broken heart turned back to the Lord.
Judas and Peter both sinned and deeply hurt the Lord, but only one of them repented, was forgiven and restored. The stories of Judas and Peter is absolutely relevant to all of us, each day, in all our interactions. Which path do we choose to take – prideful like Judas, or humble like Peter?