Lately I have thought a lot about the
similarities between the actions of Judas and
Peter. Specifically, I am trying to determine
the distinction between denial and betrayal, if
there is any. Intellectually, I know that the
definitions of those words are different. But I
often have said—even publicly—that what
Judas does in betraying Jesus and what Peter
does in denying Jesus are effectively one in
the same. Two sides of the same coin. Both
disciples reach a point where they walk away
from Jesus. Both face a pivotal moment in
their lives—and within just a few hours of
each other—where they are forced to decide
between continuing their dedication to the
Master, or to instead place their emphasis on
themselves (and, in Peter’s case, he was
unequivocally told by Jesus that he would
deny Him that same night, but Peter refused
to believe that he would stoop to such
deception). Both stare down the possibility of
what it might mean for them if Jesus’s
prediction about himself comes true. Whether
out of fear or greed or disbelief or pride, each
in his own way finally chooses self-
preservation over fidelity. Judas goes the
route of betrayal. He gives up Jesus to the
enemy. He is unfaithful. Peter, when
threatened by difficult questions about his
associations, resolves to deny any and all
relationship to the Savior. He, like Judas, is
unfaithful. Each in his own way chooses
perfidy over devotion. Each fails in a key
instant to fulfill the desires of the one they
profess to obey. Each by his words and by his
actions reveals the limits of his willingness to
follow. Each comes face to face with the
reality of discipleship.
During his time on earth, Jesus
experienced significant popularity. Albeit
for varying reasons, everyone wanted to
see him. Everyone wanted a piece of him.
Everyone seemed to desire to be in his
presence—whether to hear his teachings
or to be healed, or whether to gather
damning information in order that Jesus
could be indicted and removed from the
scene. Regardless, Jesus became famous.
He was a magnet for people.
John 6 is indicative, however, of the
irresolute nature of many who were
following Jesus. In John’s gospel, Jesus
tells the crowd and the “Jews” (likely a
reference to synagogue leadership) that he
is the “bread of life.” Jesus declares,
“unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man
and drink his blood, you have no life in
you.” For much of that crowd, and
definitely for the Jewish leadership, this
was too much. They did not understand
that what Jesus was saying was that their
commitment to him had to be total.
Therefore, many left Jesus. Jesus here
confirms that there is no room for half-
hearted followers. In his own words, if a
person is to “come after me, let him deny
himself daily and take up his cross and
follow me” (Luke 9:23). We cannot be
weak sauce followers. Jesus demands
everything from us. Everything. He is first.
And where do we follow him? The
answer to that is both simple and difficult—
we follow Jesus wherever he goes.
Sometimes that is to places and people of
joy and peace. Other times it is arduous
and painful and undesirable. But we must
remember this—Jesus died for the entire
world. He died for those who love him and
believe in him. He died also for those who
hate him and reject him. He died for Peter
who denied him. He died for Judas who
betrayed him. He died for you and for me.
His sacrifice grants us the honor to follow
him. Wherever he goes.
–Ricky