Peter and Judas’ big sins are sometimes misunderstood in scripture. To be sure, both would have had heavy hearts. To most people, Judas got what he deserved in his intense pain and guilt. But, if you appreciate who Peter was and how much he loved Jesus, he would have given his life for Jesus, as he proved later. It was predestined by God that he would deny Jesus 3 times. While he did not know it, The Father had a purpose through these sad events.
Judas had a divine task as well. His was to betray Jesus, to hand him over to the Pharisees. Neither man’s actions were what one might call holy, yet each served God’s greater design.
If you look beyond comparisons of who had the bigger hurt, or whose betrayal was more significant, you may see the plan God had in mind. Look at how each disciple dealt with their deeds. Peter’s suffering pulled him away from others. Judas did the same, however he focused exclusively on his guilt. This gave the enemy a foothold and eventually led to Judas taking his own life. Peter, while he withdrew, probably used this time to reflect on the love of Jesus. When Jesus rose again, he came to talk to Peter and offered him forgiveness. Peter accepted, was forgiven, and set free from his conviction. guilt. Jesus’ love set him free.
I believe Judas was forgiven also, as what he did was needed for Jesus to be crucified and rise again. When you are in deep pain, where do you focus? Do you see the only loveless guilt and pain? Or do you see all that has been provided by God’s divine love and grace?
In my own life and its tribulations, many wonder and ask how I stay in a good head space. God is my answer, He enables me to calm amongst the whirlwind surrounding me. Note, this is not because it does not affect me, rather it is because my struggles are small, compared to the love and provision God provides.
I know God has a reason for everything we, and I, go through. As long as I keep this in focus, I have strength to continue on. I am one of the few that had their life complicated by the Covid vaccines. The reason I am ok with this is that my life here on earth is not mine, but His. I live for God, as He gave His Son for me. I feel for Peter and Judas as they both had immensely difficult lives. Keep your focus, friends, on what truly matters, for His purposes and support will get you through dark times.
From Pain To Purpose 