We often think na si Judas lang ang nag-betray kay Jesus. Siya nga lang ba? Let’s continue our Holy Week reflection.

“Simon, Simon! Hiniling ni Satanas na subukin kayo tulad sa pag-aalis ng ipa sa mga trigo. Subalit idinalangin kita upang huwag manghina ang iyong pananampalataya. At kapag nagbalik-loob ka na, patatagin mo ang iyong mga kapatid.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Panginoon, handa po akong mabilanggo at mamatay na kasama ninyo!”

Lucas 22:31-33

Have you ever felt the pain of betrayal? Or have you caused it yourself?

Before Jesus died, He spent His last supper with His disciples. He knew what was about to happen. He was about to go through the most painful experience of His life on earth. He might have imagined the pain of being nailed to the cross but what about the pain of being betrayed by not one but two of His closest disciples?

First, it was by Judas. He led the soldiers to Jesus and with a kiss, sold his master for 30 pieces of silver.

Peter was next. “Handa po akong mabilanggo at mamatay na kasama ninyo!” he said. But just a few days later, when a woman said about him, “This man also was with him, Peter said, “Woman, I do not know him” (Luke 22:57). Three times, he denied whom he said he loved.

Both of these men felt remorse and guilt but they chose to continue their stories differently. Judas, thinking he was far from redemption, ended his own life in despair. Not so for Peter. When given the opportunity by Jesus to express his love, Peter took it. After the resurrection of Jesus, He said to him, “… Do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you” (John 21:15, ESV). Peter repented and lived long enough to taste the joy of forgiveness and the mercy of God.

Are you longing to go back to God but think you don’t deserve a chance anymore? Be like Peter and not like Judas. Don’t believe the enemy when he tells you na wala ka nang pag-asa. Jesus is asking you today, “Do you love me?”

May we be like Peter, excited to turn back to the Lord and eager to share the Good News about our Savior. Won’t you please share this devo to people you care about and invite them to hear tomorrow’s devotion? Let’s all come together for our Holy Week reflection.