Two Men Comparisons & Contrasts

Two Men Were Called To Be Apostles.  And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Matthew 10:1-4 RSV)

Both Men Witnessed His Teaching  After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:66-69 RSV)

Both Men Witnessed Jesus’ Miracles  Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 RSV)  But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. (John 21:25 RSV)

Both Men Were Given Power To Perform Miracles  (Matthew 10:1-4) And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (RSV)

Both Men Were Given Help From The Holy Spirit  (Matthew 10:17-20) Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (RSV)

Both Men Knew He Was The Son Of God  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:13-16 RSV)  John 6:66-69

Both Men Let Satan Enter Their Hearts  Judas (Luke 22:3-4) Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. (NKJV)  Peter (Luke 22:31-32) And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (NKJV)

Both Men Fell  Judas (Luke 22:47-48) And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (NKJV)  Peter (Luke 22:58-60) And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. (NKJV)

Both Men Were Sorry  Judas (Matthew 27:3-4) Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" (NKJV)  Peter (Luke 22:61-62) And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly. (NKJV)

Both Men Reacted  Judas (Matthew 27:5) Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. (NKJV)  Peter (John 21:15-17) So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. (NKJV)

Peter And Judas  Both were called by Jesus to be Apostles.  Both were with Jesus for 3 plus years listening to His teachings.  Both were witnesses of the many miracles that Jesus performed.  Both were given power to perform miracles.  Both were given help by The Holy Spirit.  Both knew Jesus was the Son Of God.  Both let Satan enter their hearts.  Both men Fell.  Both men were sorry.  Only Peter got back up!

Peter’s Steps Back To God (Lk 22:61,62)  Memory  Look Toward Jesus  He went out  He wept bitterly  He got back to work (1 John 1:8-9) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)

We Must Press On!  (Philippians 3:13-14) Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (RSV)  (Galatians 6:9) And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. (RSV)

Anonymous Poem Press on. Nothing in the world Can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; Nothing is more common Than unsuccessful men With talent. Genius will not; Unrewarded genius Is almost a proverb. Education will not; The world is full of Educated derelicts. Persistence and determination Alone are important.

Be Faithful Unto Death! (Revelation 2:10) Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (RSV)