Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
—Ephesians 5:2
During the Last Supper Jesus stunned his disciples with declarations that one of them was going to betray him and one was going to disown him (Jn 13:21, 38).
Judas betrayed him, was hammered with guilt, and committed suicide.
Peter disowned him, was devastated and collapsed in tears. But he came roaring back as the Pentecost preacher who pointed a fearless finger at his audience and said, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. . . . Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Three thousand of those individuals raised a penitent hand, requesting baptism.
Jesus’ love was greater than the sin of Judas and Peter.
Judas didn’t get it.
Peter did.
Do we?
Love and forgiveness only
work when you accept them.