“The Precious and the Perishable”

Good Friday - April 14, 2017 1Peter 1:18f, 2:21-24

The Apostle Peter remembered well that day Jesus died; it’s reflected in a couple of passages from the first letter to the church he wrote... 1Peter 1:18f “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” And, 2:21-24 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

      Peter and Judas were two key players around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion; two key players that stand in stark contrast.

      Judas was also named Iscariot, either relating to “Kerioth” a small town in south Palestine (unlike the other disciples who were Galileans), or a small knife (“sicarius”) carried hidden by Jews under the clothes which could be used to stab Roman soldiers. Perhaps he sought to force Jesus’ hand by betraying Him: putting the Master in an ultimate confrontation with the authorities which would force Him to unveil His Messianic powers and defeat the Roman overlords. But God will not be manipulated.

      We also know that Judas was the treasurer of the little band of disciples. He was a thief and dishonest, helping himself to what was in the money bag on occasion (Jn 12:6). So maybe it was the bounty-money offered by the religious leaders to bring Jesus in, the price on His head of 30 pieces of silver, that attracted Judas’ attention. Silver was precious to him. Money made things happen, got things done, provided luxuries one otherwise had to do without. So it irked Judas immensely when he saw Mary anoint Jesus’ head with a jar of expensive perfume worth a year’s wages (Jn 12:3ff). It was such an anointing that seems to have pushed Judas over the edge to go strike a deal with the chief priests to hand Jesus over (Mt 26:14ff).

      Frankly, who couldn’t use a little more money? It’s hard not to be envious of that Edmonton couple who recently won a lottery for the third time. But Judas would soon find that the very reward he’d been given by the authorities became reprehensible to him – when he was seized with remorse after Jesus was condemned, he gave it all back to the leaders. He said, “I have sinned: I have betrayed innocent blood.” His guilt and shame became so overwhelming that he took his own life. (Mt 27:3ff) He chose to perish rather than live with the knowledge he had been responsible for betraying the Lord.

      Peter, too, was conscience-stricken about the way He had let Jesus down. Was not Peter the one Jesus nicknamed “The Rock”? Was it not Peter Jesus looked to in order to be a leader, an example, to strengthen the other disciples? (Lk 22:32) Was it not Peter who at the Last Supper had boasted things like, “Even if all fall away, I will not” and, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death”? (Mk 14:29; Lk 22:33)

      But when push came to shove, when it came down to the crunch, Peter crumpled. For all his bluster and bravado, he proved a disappointment. It wasn’t a Roman soldier in full armour that intimidated him: it was a mere servant girl, insisting to bystanders that Peter was associated with the Nazarene that was under trial – then Peter’s own Galilean accent betrayed him (Mk 14:67ff).

      What was it that Peter held so precious? What was his idol, if not money like Judas? His posturing and boasting would suggest Peter liked to be prominent, to be the first, to have respect and significance. He didn’t like being looked down upon as someone associated with a potential criminal. He loved himself, protected himself, his safety and significance. Peter’s life was precious to him: and so he denied his Lord at a crucial moment. When he realized he’d done as Jesus predicted – disowning Him three times before a rooster crowed twice – Peter broke down and wept (Mk14:72).

      Because of Judas and Peter both, Jesus goes to the cross. Judas directly responsible; Peter indirectly – for not doing a better job of opposing it, standing up for Him – he too felt responsible. For one, it was love of money. For the other, the boastful pride of life (1Jn 2:16). What sin of yours is it that sends Jesus to the cross? What sin of mine?

      We know of course from the rest of the story that one of them came out the other side alive, while the other didn’t. What made the difference for Peter? Jesus had prayed especially for him (Lk 22:32). Jesus appeared to Peter specifically after the resurrection (Lk 24:34; 1Cor 15:5). And the Risen Christ patiently, if somewhat painfully, forgave and restored Peter through extracting a very pointed threefold declaration of loyalty that counterbalanced his threefold denial (Jn 21:15ff).

      In short – it was sheer mercy, and Peter in repentant humility recognized it. As he later wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” (1Pe 1:3)

      That day at Golgotha, Peter had witnessed hanging on the cross something more precious than infinite amounts of cash, more valuable than all the honour and recognition anyone could earn in their short life. As he later wrote, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” The quality and lovingkindness and purity of the Saviour crucified for sinners outshone all other possible enticements. “Christ suffered for you..."He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats...He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

      Whether you relate more to Judas – or to Peter – or to Mary Magdalene with her multiple issues – or even to Mary the mother of Jesus, crumpled with grief due to the loss she’s endured – makes no difference: Jesus suffered for sinners like you and me. He bore the insults that were due us. His wounds are the source of our healing. Let’s now die to sins and live for righteousness – for what’s MOST precious – for Him. Let’s pray.