Matthew 27:3-5 (ESV)
3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was
condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to
the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying
innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And
throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went
and hanged himself.
Have you ever done something you never thought you would
do? And not something for which you are proud. The other kind.
Hours before his death, Jesus was betrayed by two of his
followers—his friends. Judas and Peter both did something they never thought
they would do. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Peter denied his friend three
times within a matter of minutes.
Can you feel the guilt both of these men felt after they
committed these acts? I can feel it. I’ve felt it. Ever done something for
which you assumed God would never forgive? Haven’t we all? Usually when we feel
this guilt, we’re brought to one of two places: remorse or repentance.
Judas tried to give the money he earned for his betrayal
back to the chief priests. But that act wouldn’t erase his guilt. It didn’t
change his responsibility in the death of Jesus. His remorse and sorrow
couldn’t heal him. He ultimately committed suicide.
Peter wept and repented. Later Jesus would reinstate Peter
and ask him to watch over His sheep. Jesus wanted to use Peter because even
though he made mistakes, he still loved Jesus deeply.
2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance
that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings
death."
Your life can change when you trust Jesus, when you admit
your mistakes and give them to him.
Will you let Jesus’ love for Peter and forgiveness for his
mistakes lead you to repentance and godly sorrow?
Today’s Challenge: Make a list of yesterday’s sins. Read
the list aloud to God. Ask His forgiveness and then rip the list up and throw
it in the trash because He forgives you.
Dear Lord, we thank You that no matter the sin we have committed
that You have already forgiven us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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