Contrast of Judas and Peter

Hello everyone! Glad that you made it to church this weekend! We have a busy weekend to start off December! I think we are only going to get busier to! This is a great time of year. Christmas always give us a lot of opportunities to share the Gospel to friends, relatives, coworkers, and total strangers! Make sure you are living an outspoken Christian life this Christmas season!

We are in a study on the book of Acts. Today we are going to conclude chapter 1 of Acts. Our text is verses 15-26. Let’s look at them together.

Acts 1:15-26 (NIV)

Acts 1:15–26 NIV84

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so, he was added to the eleven apostles.

The background real quick, a little review. Christ has ascended back to heaven to rule at the right had of His Father. The Disciples are instructed to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. They meet in the upper room and wait and pray. There are 120 of them up there prayer, Big Room!!!! They are waiting for the Holy Spirit to come and give them the power to start the New Testament Church. That happens in Chapter 2 and we are not quite there yet. That is the power chapter. We are still pre-ignition!

So after their prayer Peter decides that they need to replace Judas as a disciple. We don’t know for sure the reason that this was necessary, but they seemed to think that they needed 12 not just 11. So they cast lots and choose Matthias. So really, they decided that it was up to God to choose so they put the two names in a hat and drew one out and Matthias was chosen. When you consider that all of the disciples were killed except for John, I am not sure that, humanly speaking, he got a great bargain!

On a side note, I would like to point out that this moment is the first major decision of the early church. They were choosing a leader, sort of like hiring church staff, or hiring a minister. I want you to notice that the idea of voting, like many American churches and many Southern Baptist do, this idea of voting was so foreign to the early church that instead of holding a vote, they rolled dice. They left this important choice of who their 12th church leader was going to be, completely to chance. They rolled the dice! They said, “We are not going to trust ourselves to make this decision, we will let God decide!” That is important to notice as we continue this study in to Acts and look at the template these early church leaders gave to us for the church today.

What I would like for us to do in the time that we have together is compare and contrast the two main characters in this passage and see if there is anything we can learn from them. I am talking about Judas and Peter. They are far more alike than you may have originally thought.

You see, both Peter and Judas were disciples of Jesus Christ. They both heard the same teaching. They both had moments of great faith. They both were tempted, they both failed.

Let us look at the Story of Judas First.

Judas

Judas was a Disciple for about 3 years. Like most of the disciples, Judas thought that He was going to overthrow Rome and establish a new Kingdom. He really believes that Jesus was the Messiah. No doubts! There were several moments that Judas’s faith was tested and towards the end of Jesus’ ministry here on earth, Judas begins to falter. The first instance was when Mary poured the expensive ointment on the feet of Jesus. And then again just before the Last Supper. Let us look at God’s Word.

Betrays Jesus

Matthew 26:14-16 (NIV) Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Matthew 26:14–16 NIV84

14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

At this point, we see that Judas had become disillusioned with Jesus as the Messiah, the deliverer. His faith had faltered. Then at the Table of the Last Supper.

Matthew 26:20-25 (NIV)

Matthew 26:20–25 NIV84

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”

Here we see that Jesus knew his heart. He knew that Judas was going to betray him for money. Friends, Jesus knows our hearts too. He knows our intentions. Good or Bad. Next time we see him is in the Garden.

Matthew 26:47-50 (NIV) Jesus Arrested

Matthew 26:47–50 NIV84

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

Judas Sins Against Jesus

Here, the betrayal is complete. Judas has acted on his premeditated thoughts. He has sinned against His Lord. Look what happens next.

Judas

Matthew 27:3-8 (NIV) 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

Matthew 27:3–8 NIV84

3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

Judas was sorry for what he did. He was filled with remorse. Some say that because he was that he was saved from his sins and went to heaven when he died. I am not so sure. Just because he was sorry that he condemned an innocent man to death, does not mean that he Believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Only faith in Christ for salvation will bring salvation. There is no evidence that Judas ever reached that conclusion. The Jury is still out on that one.

Judas Regrets His Sin

The next time we hear of Judas in Posthumously. In our text it says.

Acts 1:16-19 (NIV)

Acts 1:16–19 NIV84

16 and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

Judas Takes His Own Life

Tradition tells us that he hung himself and, well, scripture tells us the rest of the graphic story. He tragically takes his own life and the money that he was given to betray Jesus was used to buy a graveyard.

Here we see a person just like you or me, who gets the information of the Gospel and chooses what to do with it. I think the church has been too hard on Judas over the years. He did what any of us could possibly do or have done already. I mean let’s get serious. How many of us have sold our Savior for far less than 30 pieces of silver? How many of us have betrayed him for the cost of a movie rental? Or the cost of a beer. Or sometimes for nothing whatsoever, just a swear word. Or the opportunity to look cool in front of our friends.

Peter

Let’s take a look at the other participant in out discussion. Peter. Here is a man that like Judas is with Christ for the entire 3 years of His ministry. Peter is a colorful character, and we have a lot more information on him than Judas. Partly because he never could learn when to keep his mouth shut, or his sword in its sheath. He was always in trouble or causing trouble during Christ’s ministry.

He too thought that Jesus was the Messiah and was going to conquer Rome and establish a kingdom in Jerusalem. He was there to see all the miracles that Judas and the rest of the disciples witnessed. He walked on water with Jesus. He saw the dead raised and the lame to walk. Just like Judas. He was sitting at the table when Judas is dismissed. Then a strange conversation takes place.

Matthew 26:31-35 (NIV) Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Matthew 26:31–35 NIV84

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Peter is Warned of Temptation

I can identify with Peter. I don’t know how many times I have decided in prayer, God, I am going to serve you. I am not going to fail you ever. Here is my life. If everyone fails you, I am not going to. Then to have what happens next to Peter happen to me too!

Matthew 26:69-75 (NIV) Peter Disowns Jesus

Matthew 26:69–75 NIV84

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” 74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.”

74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter Sinned Against Jesus

He failed. He got scared. Peer pressure got him. His faith wavered. He doubted the Messiah. We have all been there. Peter is no different than Judas here. What he did to his friend was horrible. Abandoned Him. I wonder how many times a day we abandon our Savior. He ran and watched from a distance.

The next few hours and days must have been so confusing to Peter. His friend, Jesus is beaten and killed and is buried in a tomb that isn’t even his own. Then 3 days later, the tomb is empty! No body, no nothing. His much younger friend John thinks that Jesus has been raised from the dead, as do other disciples. Some have claimed to see him. Peter is just not sure. So, Peter does what he knows best. He goes back to fishing. Forget this religion thing. Forget this changing the world thing. Forget saving Israel, I am going to go catch some fish.

I told you; I can really identify with Peter! I have felt that way! So, he goes fishing. While fishing, Jesus appears to them, and look at Peter’s reaction!

John 21:7 (NIV)

John 21:7 NIV84

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Peter Repents and Reconciles With Jesus

I think he was happy to see Jesus. Are you happy to see Jesus? Are you happy to come to church and worship? Do you enjoy going to your prayer closet and spending time with God? Do you enjoy going to His Word and reading what He has for you? Look at what happens next.

John 21:15-19 (NIV) Jesus Reinstates Peter

John 21:15–19 NIV84

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Peter is Forgiven and Made a Church Leader

Follow me! I love that. All is forgiven. Everything is ok! Follow me, don’t look back. The Past is past. Look forward!

What I see here are two very similar men. Men with the same goals, the same training. The same issues. But men who have very different outcomes with their faith.

Judas did not understand Grace and Mercy. He thought that because of his sin there was no hope. No hope at all and he took his own life in despair. How tragic the life and death of Judas. I know for sure that if he had of went to the resurrected Jesus and repented, that he would have been forgiven and welcomed back. Then Matthias would have been without a Job! But he did not understand the Power of who Jesus is. He could only look back at what he did.

Peter got it! He had some rough going but, although he had complete moral failure, he hung in there. He stayed the course, and on the shore of his fishing hole, he got things right with God. He was restored to the fellowship and Jesus made him the Leader of the early church! Notice who is leading the church in Acts 1 and 2! Peter! Yes, the same Peter that denied knowing the Lord 3 times!

Do you Need God’s Mercy and Grace?

God is like that. He has no end to His mercy and Grace. As we start into the beginning of the church in the next couple of weeks that is what we are going to see. Mercy and Grace at its finest.

Do you need some of that Mercy? Some of that Grace? Have you failed your Lord? Who are you living like right now? Judas or Peter? Have you given up hope? How could God ever forgive me? Is he really who He says He is? Have you denied Him? Have you betrayed Him? What are you going to do about it?

Turn back or turn away? Go back to the world what it has to offer? Or turn back to Christ and get forgiveness and be restored into His Grace?