In Episode 1 of AD: The Bible Continues this was one of the most touching scenes for me. It was when Pilate said “This man is innocent” and the crowd started yelling “CRUCIFY!”
Equally as sad is the scene where Peter denies Jesus for the 3rd time and looks up and sees Jesus sad eyes.
I can relate to Peter.
If we are honest, I’m sure we have all denied Jesus at some time in our life. By words. By actions. By lack of words or action. The important thing to know is that even though we may have denied Jesus, He forgives.
If you have a couple minutes, watch this video. I absolutely love this song. The part that gets me every single time is this line: I am Judas’ kiss, but You loved me anyway!
We don’t often compare ourselves to Judas. But when you really think about it, so many times in life…… we are Judas’ kiss.
Both Judas and Peter denied Jesus in the time that counted. Not that it would have changed a thing, the plan was going to happen, no matter what. The major difference is this: Judas committed suicide before receiving Christ’s forgiveness. Both men anguished for what they had done. But Peter LIVED in the torment that followed, and was able to move beyond it, and ask forgiveness, which Jesus lovingly and freely gave.
What Peter did next was the best. Read the first several chapters of the book of Acts to see how boldly this man preached of Jesus after his cowardly denials. Jesus forgave Peter’s many sins, and Peter loved much!
Luke 7:47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”
Make it count from here on out!
Has there been a time in your life that you have denied Jesus? What did you do to make it right? (read the comments where I’ll share about a time that I denied Jesus).
I was at work one day in the mid 1990’s; Most of us in the office were Christians. One day, a co-worker who worked outside the office was talking to me and said something about how a couple of the other employees talked about church and God too much, then this person asked me if I was that way. I can’t remember what I said, or even if I said anything at all. I just remember feeling like this person was putting my co-workers down, and I didn’t want to feel put down as well, so I just kept my mouth shut. I never got a chance to make it right at the job. But I have asked God’s forgiveness. People know where I stand with God now, and I pray that if given another chance like that, I will speak boldly, like Peter did.