He was promised, promised, by his best friends that no one would leave his side. That everyone would be faithful. That no harm would come to him. He was told that their friendship would be defended even unto death. In the heat-of-the-moment one of his closest friends defended him – true. However, a few hours later that defense was nullified by three more heat-of-the-moment decisions – three decisions to outright deny knowing or having contact with one so condemned.
The pain must have been unbearable – to be defended one moment, yet disowned the next. To look a close friend in the eyes as he blatantly swears that he never knew you. Overwhelming anger and bitterness would seemingly, and rightly so, fill the betrayed friend. Close friends are supposed to be there – when you’re going through a rough patch in life, to bring comfort and encouragement, to merely hang out with. But when that close friend disowns you in front of witnesses, three times, there is no room for forgiveness. No mercy. No grace. That so-called “friend” deserves everything he gets.
Imagine then, pardoning that friend – the one who betrayed you, who lied to you, who lied about you. Imagine granting that friend grace and loving them as though nothing happened; loving them more than before the deception.
That is what Jesus did. His love surpassed the bitterness and betrayal of one of his closest friends. His love granted peace and restoration. His love opened the door to salvation. And his love is offered freely to all who will accept it.
Yes, we get hurt and we hurt others. But can you imagine an unconditional love? A relationship where, no matter how many times you mess up, if true repentance is there, true, unconditional love will be returned? That is what Jesus offers. I can’t think of a better relationship to be involved in.
But don’t take my word for it - check out the Bible (books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). This story is found there.
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