Transcript
Ben Fallon: Welcome back to “Ask Paul Tripp.” Today, we have a question that was submitted online at paultripp.com/ask. It's the shortest question we've received to date, Paul, only three words, “Did Judas,” as in Judas Iscariot, “Did Judas repent?”
Paul Tripp: I think one of the saddest moments in the passion story, other than the death of the one innocent person who's ever lived, is the Judas story. His betrayal of Jesus is shocking and sad. To turn your back on the Messiah for a certain amount of money is sad. And where we finally find Judas is in guilt, and despair, and death. It's a story of the gravity of sin.
Now, at the same time, you have the story of Peter. And Peter denied his Lord with curses, and you would think, “Peter is done.” But there's clearly, in Christ's encounter with Peter, a forgiveness granted and repentance on Peter's part. He becomes a man, rather than being fearful of being connected to Jesus, is bold as can be. In fact, he stands in front of the Sanhedrin and essentially says, “You can kill me, but I will not quit preaching the gospel.” Tremendous turnaround in that man's life.
Now, what do we learn from the contrast of these two stories? Well, we learn the gravity of sin, the gravity of the darkness that can overcome us and causes us to do things that are shocking and unthinkable. But we also learn from the contrast of these two stories that nobody is beyond redemption. That there is no sin that exists that is outside of the reach of God's grace. The question is not, “Is that grace available?” But “Will I seek it?”
And so, I think these two stories are in the Bible in close proximity to one another because God loves us, and he wants two things to stick in our hearts. One is, “Sin is not something to mess with.” Betrayal of your Lord is a horrible, horrible sin against his glory, and it will never take you anywhere good. That's the first thing; we should be serious when it comes to sin.
On the other hand, you have the Peter part of the story that says, “But there's grace available to the sinner.” Peter thought he was done, but he wasn't done because of the inexhaustible, faithful, patient nature of God's grace. And Jesus says to Peter, I mean, it's just an amazing encounter, “Peter, do you love me?” He says, “Yeah, I love you.” “No, Peter, do you really love me?” He says, “Yes, Lord, I love you.” He said, “Then go feed my sheep; go do what I've called you to do.” It's an incredible, beautiful story. So, sin is grave, and the Bible says it leads to death, and we should take that seriously. But God's grace is greater, and there is forgiveness, even in the face of the most shocking and dark forms of iniquity. And those two stories are recorded and preserved for us because God wants us to hold on to both of those elements.
BF: Thanks, Paul. We'll probably share your answer again during Passion Week because we record these episodes months in advance before posting. So, please keep your questions coming either online at paultripp.com/ask or via email to ask@paultripp.com.
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