i wrote this one year ago on January 27, 2022…
THIS IS UNDENIABLY DEEP WATER, DEAR FRIENDS! -kww
SHARE THE WORD -- In the Gospel accounts of the Life of Jesus of Nazareth, the contrast between Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial is often contrasted. One of the blatantly obvious differences to me between the two disciples’ stories is deeply discovered in the way each responded after the fact of their act of disloyalty had happened. The only similarities are these: They both "broke the heart of Jesus" and they both "went out".
1. After betraying Jesus, Judas "went out" and hanged himself. [Matthew 27:5] So sad. So terrible. Yet, he "went out" from the Lord’s presence and chose to react in a way that would prevent him from having to face Jesus ever again.
2. After denying Jesus, Peter "went out" and "broke down and wept." [Mark 14:72b NLT] This is a much different response. Still sad. Yet so tender.
The Greek for "broke down" has a very powerful meaning. In reality it might be rendered this way: "Peter went out and threw himself down on the ground and wept agonizing tears as his heart broke in regretful repentance" as he realized what He had done in denying that he even knew His Lord."
Yes, Peter "went out" from the Lord’s presence, yet he desperately desired to see Christ again and to find mercy, forgiveness, restoration and a new beginning. [And in John 21 it happened.]
So, in the end, Judas "went out" and took things into his own hands, while Peter "went out" and waited to fall into the hands of His merciful Master. Sound familiar? It is. Here are the words of David recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:13 when he had displeased God: "I’m in a desperate situation!" David replied to Gad. "But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands."
Peter responded to his denial by saying: "I don’t want to fall into human hands, not even my own human hands. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord!"
This is undeniably Deep water, dear friends. -kww
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
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