In Matthew’s record of the failure of two men we may be able to see ourselves as well.

    Judas betrayed Him.  While we will probably never know what prompted him to do such a thing, we can see a possible reason in the account of Mary of Bethany’s use of very expensive ointment   on the feet of Jesus.  Judas led the charge of those who complained because of the “waste.”  John tells us he did so because he kept the common treasury, and was a thief.  What the story says to me is that Judas valued material things above Jesus.

    It is noteworthy that he bargained with the leaders to betray Jesus if they would give him thirty pieces of silver, which was the ancient price or value of a slave.  This is another evidence of the low estimate of Jesus which he held.  He regarded the Lord of all as no better than a slave - the lowest of all.

    Peter denied Him.  While Peter joined with Judas and the others in believing the use of the ointment was a waste, there is no indication that material things were all that important to Peter.  He had a very different problem:  self.  Jesus had singled him out for special attention and privilege.  Peter seems to have come to the conclusion that this made him better than the others.  He was proud of him- self, protesting that while others might, he never would.  But he did.

    Jesus loved them both.

    When Judas came to betray Him with a kiss which would identify Him, he kissed Him excessively, repeatedly, as if he greatly loved and revered Him.  Jesus responded in love by calling him “Friend.”  Judas hanged himself, but he didn’t have to.  He could have found forgiveness through the sacrifice Jesus was about to make because God so loved the world - including Judas.

    Peter thought there was no hope for  him.  He could no longer exercise the ministry to which he had been called.  He just hung around on the fringe of things.  Until Jesus probed his love, and revealed His own love by recommissioning him three times.  (Was that once for each denial?)  Fully forgiven, he went on to become everything Jesus had prophesied when he named him “Rock.”

    Before condemning Judas or Peter, we would do well to probe our own hearts to see how much we value Jesus.  Does He come first?  Or does He come first after our houses and lands, our comforts and plans?  If He is not first, are we much better than Judas who betrayed Him, or Peter who denied Him?

    No matter how or how much we fail Him, one truth shines through.  Jesus loves us and wants to forgive us and restore us.  Judas didn’t let Him.  Peter did.

    Which will we choose to follow?