First, those who imitated Jesus rather than Peter are applauded for their courage. Second, even those who imitated Peter rather than Jesus are consoled with the hope of repentance and forgiveness. Mark says that, after his denials, “Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (14:72). Third, neither denials nor even betrayals are the worst sin against Jesus or God. The worst sin is despair—loss of faith that repentance will always, always obtain forgiveness. Had Judas broken down, wept, and repented, he
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