Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”
Matthew 26:33 CSB
No one will ever mistake me for Peter, but how many times have I echoed his words and then followed his example? More times than I care to admit. And invariably, it is because I overestimated my own strength and ability to endure and failed to trust in the strength that God provides. In the quiet of my study or perched alone alongside a river in the wilderness, it is easy to convince myself that I am finally fully committed to the Lordship of Christ. Only to have that commitment challenged when I go back out into the world.
Now to be clear, I have never denied Jesus in the same way that Peter did, but how often do I fail to take a stand for him when the occasion calls for it, just sitting on the sideline instead? And how many times have I opted to satisfy myself above Christ? I am weak and fallible, but he is strong and dependable. I am so thankful that he is always ready to restore me, just like he did with Peter (John 21:15-19). He knows my weakness; still, he loves me and chooses to use me.
I understand.
Sometimes I think just like the Lord forgave Peter for denying him, why wasn’t Judas given that opportunity?
Peter was repentant and stayed with Jesus. Judas did not.