Jesus on Trial: Judas, and Peter

Judas:
The time drew ever closer. Now his betrayer arrived and gave him a kiss. A kiss of disappointment. A kiss of misunderstanding. A kiss of an earthly perspective. A kiss of betrayal. A kiss of death. A kiss of pain. A kiss of self-demise. A kiss of suicide. Yet, Jesus called him friend. Jesus still loved him. Another reason he had to do this. For those of us who would betray him to know he still loves us. To know he still considers us his friend. To know that we don't have to self-destruct. To save us from self-demise. To give us hope. To give us a heavenly perspective. The time of fulfillment was at hand. No time for wishful thinking. No time for procrastination.

Peter:

The time drew ever ever closer. The other disciples fled, but Peter and John stayed close. Peter denied him. Peter who promised though all leave he will not. Peter who was quick to draw a sword to fight. Peter who recognized Jesus as the Christ. Peter who walked on water. When the rooster crowed, he remembered what Jesus said. His denial brought him to bitter tears. His denial shook his world. His denial brought him pain. His denial caused him to leave. Another reason Jesus had to do this. Later on he restored Peter. Later on he reaffirmed his love for Peter. Later on Peter realized that Jesus loved him unconditionally. He does the same for us. For those of us who would deny him. He restores us. He reaffirms his love for us. Hopefully, we realize he loves us unconditionally. The time of fulfillment was at hand. No time for wishful thinking. No time for procrastination.

P.S: The above are written based on sermons 1 and 2 in the series currently being taught at church.