Betrayal
Matthew Chapter 26 – 27:10
Most of the rest of Matthew is about betrayal: betrayal by Judas, betrayal of their duty by the religious leaders, betrayal of justice by Pontius Pilate and even betrayal of his promise by Peter.
Of these, Peter’s betrayal is at once the most painful and the most hopeful.
Painful, because we have seen time and again Peter’s intense loyalty to Jesus (though we’ve also seen his limitations as when he began to sink from walking on water and falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane).
Hopeful, though, because we know the rest of the story. Peter, in spite of his doubts, his fatigue and even his denial will be a foundation stone upon which Christ’s church is built.
Peter, upon realizing his failure, goes outside and weeps bitterly—as is appropriate. But we will see later that his weeping is the weeping of repentance—of turning.
Judas, by contrast, chooses defeat rather than repentance, hanging himself in his sorrow.
Sorrow can lead to a new start, or it can lead to death. Ultimately we choose which.

Saturday meditation

Proverbs 26:11-12
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Prayer focus
Lord, may our sorrow lead to repentance, and our repentance lead to joy!

-Rev. Mark Fleming