Moving Beyond Betrayal - Peter & Judas

This week we continued our series on moving beyond betrayal by looking at two of Jesus ‘ disciples, Peter and Judas. These two men had a lot in common but also some important differences. 
 
Peter was a fisherman from Galilee when Jesus called him to follow Him. Judas was from Judea and we don’t know how or where Jesus called him. Both of them heard Jesus’ teaching, heard the things Jesus declared about Himself and saw the miracles Jesus performed. 
 
Peter was impulsive, the sort of person who spoke before he thought and was reprimanded by Jesus at times. Yet he had strong faith and desire to serve Jesus. Judas was quieter, we don’t hear much about him except that he stole from the money he was meant to be looking after.
 
Both men were warned by Jesus but both didn’t listen. Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Him three times. Both regretted what they had done but while Judas stayed with regret which is self-focused, Peter moved on to repentance which is God- focused. And so  Judas killed himself and Peter became a leader in the early church.
 
At the end of John’s gospel three times Jesus asks Peter do you love me? It is love that drives all else we do. God’s love for us and ours for Him. As we love Him we will do what He has called us to do. 
 
God bless 
Pastor Margo