At the end of today’s service, I’ll be offering you an opportunity to respond to Christ. In fact, some of you may want to grab your worship guide right now and find the communication card. There, you’ll find an opportunity to be a part of next Sunday’s baptism service. Place your name there and simply circle the words, “I want to be baptized.” I invite you to bring this card to me or one of us at the Encourager’s Room at the end of today’s service.
It’s late on Thursday and Jesus and His Disciples are in the middle of the Last Supper. While Jesus is the main character, we also need to pause to look at two disciples, Peter and Judas. For these two disciples’ faltering relationship with Jesus not only make for great theatre, but they even more importantly show us something about OUR relationship with Jesus. Today, I want to ask you a chilling question: are you Peter or are you Judas?
Today’s Scripture
And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
“31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:14-34).
We are still around fifteen hours before Jesus’ death and the narrative is action packed. There is so much packed into the few hours before Jesus’ murder that you feel like you are watching three tennis matches at once. We are but one hundred eighty verses from the end of Luke’s gospel.
Today is Thursday in Holy Week and I want to ask your focus on two disciples – Peter and Judas. Jesus’ death is just around the corner and the hostility to Jesus is growing rapidly. Two men spent equal time with Jesus but came away from their encounter walking in completely two different directions for eternity. One man hung himself while the other went on to become a martyr for Christ. One faltered but was a genuine disciple while the other’s life is completely without the marks of a true disciple. What was it about these two men and their response to Jesus Christ?
Sermon Preview
1. Jesus is Abandoned
2. Judas is Himself
3. Peter is Tested
1. Jesus is Abandoned
Sandwiched in the tight space of the events of Thursday evening is Jesus’ washing of the Disciples’ feet, the eating of the Passover lamb, as well as the beginning of the last Supper. Again, sandwiched inside the tightest of windows is Jesus’ abandonment.
Everyone Abandons Jesus. It’s really remarkable when you think about … just how many people abandoned Jesus at His greatest time of need. While Judas fully forsakes Him, it is Peter who temporarily deserts our Lord. Yet, it’s not just these two who’s loyalty can be questioned – it’s everyone’s loyalty.
In fact, Luke tells us that a dispute arose among the disciples during the Last Supper: “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:24-27).
Think of the magnitude of the moment if you will, the King of Kings is washing feet and they’re arguing over who is the most spiritual mature. For those nearest to Jesus to desert Him is the greatest embarrassment is to Christians yet it is also a sign of God’s great grace.
2. Judas is Himself
This isn’t a comfortable story for us to consider. The story of Judas tells us that there is a gate to hell even from the very gates to heaven. Judas is so synonymous with betrayal that his very name is listed in the thesaurus as a synonym for betrayal. Each time the gospels list the Twelve Disciples, they always list Judas last while Peter is always first. In fact, throughout the meal, Jesus keeps referring to the person who was to betray him without ever mentioning him by name. I count five times that Jesus mentions the eventual betrayal of Judas. Judas’ kiss is the first step toward Jesus’ arrest: “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss” (Luke 22:47-48)? Judas’ actions are deadly betrayal. What makes all this most chilling is that none other than Jesus Himself chose Judas. He was so close to Jesus that Judas even dipped his bread into the same cup with the Lord at the Last Supper.
2.1 Three Facts about Judas
2.1.1 Judas was Greedy
Luke calls Judas a “traitor” and was motivated for thirty pieces of silver. Throughout their time together, Judas would often steal from the common moneybag that the disciples used to pay for expenses (John 12:6). It was Judas lifelong love of money that set up him to betray Jesus. Judas was greedy; he loved money. Greed is a passion of demonic strength. Whenever you see someone’s moral collapse, you should know that it’s been going on for a long time. An oak tree doesn’t fall simply because of high winds, dry rot has been going for a while. Judas covered his greed with a phony, external relationship with Jesus.
2.1.2 Judas was Responsible for His Life
Judas’ betrayal is predicted hundreds of years before in the Old Testament. Both the psalms and the prophet, Zechariah predict Judas’ betrayal: “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. 13 Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter” (Zechariah 11:12-13). “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). And Jesus predicted Judas’ betrayal: “Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him” (John 6:70-71). You are surprised to know that everything about Jesus’ betrayal, false imprisonment and trial, and eventual murder was planned and predicted by God. Even Judas’ betrayal was planned. But mark this: Judas was completely responsible for his actions.
2.1.3 Satan Used Judas
On Wednesday of this week, Luke records a troubling thing: “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd” (Luke 22:3-6). You need to know that Judas’ sinful passions highlighted him in bright red to Satan’s eyes. But it was Judas’ greed that placed the weapon in the hands of Satan. Satan doesn’t take innocent people captive.
In the medieval times, it was Dante who goes to the deepest levels of hell where the worst sinners are located. It’s there in his ninth level of hell that Dante pictures the circle of treachery. And it’s here that Judas is being chewed by Satan himself. While Dante’s picture doesn’t come perfectly from the Bible, we do know that Satan shows his hatred in very cruel ways. Judas is a counterfeit Christian but long before Satan captured him, it was his own greed that paved the ramp for Satan to enter.
Satan hates all men. And you can rest assure, every believer meets Satan on their journey. When Satan gets a hold of you, he shakes you to the core. You have no breathing space with Satan. But while every believer will meet Satan, not every believer meets him at the same place. Beelzebub torments some very early in their Christian journey while other are saved from his fiercest attacks towards later in life. You can go years in your life where life is like a sea of glass, scarcely a ripple upon the waters and then the enemy makes up for it in a matter of minutes.
3. Peter is Tested
Out of all the apostles, besides Judas, who had the worst track record during the passion and the death of Jesus Christ? Peter! And he’s the one Jesus leaves in charge when He goes away. Satan works on Peter just as he did Judas. Only when we encounter Peter, we see a genuine disciple rather than a counterfeit.
Think of the Importance of Peter for a moment. I need to remind all of us that Peter wasn’t simply just a disciple. Instead, he was one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples for Peter was a part of the inner core of three. Peter was one of three to see the Jesus transfigured. Now, no disciple spoke as often as Peter does when you survey all of the gospels. Jesus said sterner things to Peter than He did to any of the others. It was Peter who asked Jesus to walk on water. It was Peter who correctly identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And it was Peter who caught the boatload of fish early on with Jesus and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8).
Three Quick Facts About Peter
3.1 Jesus Reveals a Test is Coming
“You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31b). “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Remember that Simon is another name for Peter – he has two names. In addition to warning Judas fives times, He also predicts Peter’s failure. Jesus has a perfect knowledge of Peter.
3.1.1 When Jesus Prays
Jesus not only predicts Peter’s temporary failure but Jesus also prays for Peter before he’s even tempted. “but I have prayed for you…” (Luke 22:31a). Before the temptation occurs, Jesus sees it. For every believer, Jesus has three important functions He does for you continually. Jesus is your prophet, He’s your king, and He is your priest. Jesus is the Great High Priest and like any good priest, Jesus prays for you. Think of the power of that for a moment. It’s one thing for your mother to pray for you. It would be nice if Moses or Daniel could pray for you … but to have Jesus Himself pray for you! Double WOW!
3.1.2 What Jesus Prays For
“that your faith may not fail…” (Luke 22:31b). Jesus knows where the best treasures are kept and He knows how to secure the safe where they are protected. Jesus knows that as long as a Christian’s faith is secure that the Christian is secure. Jesus prayer is focused like a laser to protect Peter’s faith.
3.2 The Purpose of Testing
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31).
3.2.1 Satan’ Purpose is Evil
Now, you might find it odd that Satan asks God for permission only to have God grant him permission to shake and sift His children. God and Satan can work on the same project but for entirely different outcomes. Satan loves to destroy one of God’s chosen: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you…” (Luke 22:31). If Satan is capable of anything close to happiness, he finds malicious joy to bring one of God’s chosen down into evil. And if Satan were to succeed in defeating a believer, he would have robbed Jesus of one that He purchased with His very own blood. If Satan could destroy a child of God then he would have defeated God’s grace and wounded the very heart of God.
3.2.2 God’s Purpose is for Good
Peter dangerously dripped with self-confidence. “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death’” (Luke 22:33). “Peter said to him, ‘Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same’” (Matthew 26:35). Peter’s story is Job’s story. Like Peter before us, Job was sifted and shaken to his core. You have heard of the patience of Job? Yet, you wouldn’t have heard of the patience of Job if it were not for the sifting of Satan. All the great lessons in the book of Job and the truth we find there are because God permitted Satan to test Job so severely. There are certain degrees of grace that are never produce in a believer until she is severely tempted. Satan is sent into the kitchen to act as God’s dishwasher. Sometimes it is Satan’s special scouring that makes God’s finest china.
3.3 Jesus’ Anxious Love for Peter
Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:54-62).
Contrast the reactions of Judas and Peter for a moment. What does Jesus do to Judas at the Table of the Last Supper? What does Jesus do when He sees the betrayer there at the table? Does Jesus Christ get up and say, “Men, there’s a traitor at the table. One of you is scum, a disease, and that’s the man?” Is that what Jesus does? We’re told that Jesus Christ continually brings the subject up, and even at the end, personally serves Judas some bread. We’re also told that nobody at the table knew who the traitor was. Why is Jesus so discreet? Why won’t Jesus tell anybody else? Because he’s not trying to shatter Judas; instead, He’s trying to melt his heart. He’s not trying to condemn Judas; instead, He’s trying to convert Judas.
Unlike Judas, Peter melts: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61a). Peter melts while Judas hardens. The only reason Peter’s pride melts is due to the blowtorch of God’s love.
Closing Prayer
Lord, when we see the testing of Peter and the betrayal of Judas, it shakes us. How these two men who be around you for so long and then find themselves capable of this, scares us. Vanquish the evil love of money in our hearts and rid us of the awful thoughts of overconfidence. Cause us to see your face of love and may our hearts melt. Thaw the pride inside us and make us supple to your will. Cause us to see our shakiness but even more importantly make us feel your love for us.
Two men spent equal time with Jesus but came away from their encounter walking in completely two different directions for eternity. Six weeks after the resurrection, Judas is rotting in a field while Peter is leading a movement to change the world. It wasn’t because Peter was smarter or more resilient; it was simply because Peter repented.
Are you Peter or are you Judas? When the see the face of Jesus, will you hang yourself in regret or will your heart soften in repentance?
