The Moment of Betryal
Author: Curtis and Tina Norton
May 29, 2019
The Moment of Betrayal
But Peter declared, "Even
if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other
disciples said the same. – Matthew 26:35, NIV
When Jesus began to talk of
His coming death, it was Peter who piped up first. “I’ll never deny you even if
I die with you.” He proclaims this confidently thumping his hand over his
heart.
But just a short while later,
Peter goes back on his word. Not just once or twice but three times. Three
times he has the chance to proudly proclaim that he knows who Jesus is. Yet
each time, he betrays the Rabbi and his friend.
Can you relate? Have you ever
betrayed what you knew to be true just so you stayed safe? Maybe you didn’t
stand up for that kid who was getting bullied. You just turned a blind eye.
Perhaps you didn’t turn off
that pornographic ad when it came across your phone screen. Maybe you didn’t
comfort a friend struggling with depression because it would mean you had to
relive your most painful moments.
Betrayal flows through our
veins. Like Peter, we’re left to weep bitterly on the doorstep of failure. But
this is not the end of the story. Jesus makes an interesting statement when he
predicts Peter’s coming betrayal. He says:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked
to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith
may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke
22:31-32, NIV)
Did you catch that? Jesus used
the words “when you have turned back”…failure doesn’t have to be a permanent
destination. You don’t have to live in the shadow of your shame for the rest of
time. Jesus has paid the price to set you free and enable you to walk in
victory.
Jesus, thank You for the Cross! Thank You for holding onto
me even when I fail. Please strengthen me. Help me to remember that failure
isn’t fatal and it doesn’t get the last word. In Your name, Amen.
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