What is your relationship with Jesus Christ? No, really.

the Last Supper

When reading the book of Matthew, chapters 26 and 27, we read of two disciples of Christ, Peter and Judas, and their betrayal of their most trusted friend, teacher, and LORD - Jesus Christ. When the disciples were asked by Christ whom did they think he (Jesus) was, Peter answered without hesitation "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:13-16). While at the last supper, when Jesus told his disciples that his betrayer was at the table with him, having supper with him, Judas asked "Teacher, I'm not the one, am I?" (Matthew 26:25).  Even after witnessing all the miracles performed by Jesus and having been a part of the inner circle of Christ, each man's understanding of who Christ was was so different. To one, he was the transcendent God; to the other, the answer "Teacher, I'm not the one, am I?" seemed to question the transcendence of Christ, "the Son of the living God."

Though they both walked with Jesus, lived and spent a lot of their time with Jesus, their understanding of who Jesus was very different. What Jesus was for each of them was as different as the night is from the day.  It depended on the quality and strength of their relationship with Christ. Though Judas was entrusted with the care of the group's finances (a very important responsibility), it was Peter who would accompany Jesus at the most crucial and personal times for Jesus.

Jesus predicted their betrayal to each individually. (Matthew 26:25, 33). Yet, both betrayed Christ. One to protect his hide, the other to make some gain! The observation I want to make is the glaring difference in the reaction of each man upon realizing their betrayal; they were so different! Peter cried bitterly out of remorse for what he had done, but Judas hopelessly went and hung himself.

I want to ask this question of you - what is your relationship with Jesus? We will all come to those cross roads in life where our decisions will be less than what God would want from us, but do we have the assurance that we can approach him for forgiveness or is it going to be hopelessness? Is your relationship such that you will run back to him or run as far away from him?

If it is hopelessness, I want to encourage you that your savior will pardon a thousand wrongs you have committed and then some more. He forgave the thief on the cross. Even though his (Jesus') suffering was tremendous because of the unimaginable torture he had to endure before his crucifixion, his heart was compassionate enough to forgive a sinner (the thief also on the cross) who was condemned to death by society and government for crimes he had committed. The one thing he will ask of you after pardoning is - sin no more! May God bless you and give you peace!

Casting Crowns - East to West