Betrayal and Denial: Judas and Peter | Focused on Christ Ep 146
Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they "rewind" the trial of Jesus to focus on two key figures: Judas and Peter.
The discussion explores the similarities and critical differences between these two disciples, both called specifically by Christ. While both were disciples who had their own concepts of the Messiah , Judas was driven by earthly means like money and power, whereas Peter's mindset was more focused on seeing Israel restored.
Betrayal vs. Denial: The episode compares Judas's premeditated act of betrayal for personal benefit—an exchange of value—to Peter's denial, which was a response of fear, not an active, premeditated evil.
The Price of Betrayal: Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver , displaying a horrific lack of value for Christ, and his failure to negotiate suggested his view of Christ was "debased".
The Kiss in Gethsemane: The act of betrayal was compounded by Judas using a kiss—a symbol of affection and close relationship—to identify Jesus, doubling down on the heinousness of the act.
The Role of Satan: The discussion highlights that Satan explicitly entered Judas, who opened his heart to the demonic and acted as a vessel for Satan's will, yet was still totally complicit and responsible.
Remorse and Repentance: A crucial distinction is made between Judas's worldly grief which led to self-destruction and death, and Peter's godly grief which produced brokenness and repentance. Judas never confessed his sin to God, but Peter "wept bitterly," broken over his sin.
Christ's Intercession: The hosts reflect on the powerful moment when the Lord turned and looked at Peter after his third denial, suggesting that Christ was interceding for Peter in that moment, demonstrating affection and conviction while holding onto him.
The lives of Peter and Judas illustrate that perseverance shows who a person truly is—their "end" is indicative of who they really were. The great hope is that if we respond to Christ's conviction with repentance, it doesn't matter where we began; it matters where we finish.
Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church.
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