Two Betrayals, Two Stories: Judas & Peter’s Choices

Reading Luke 22 and John 13 together paints a vivid picture of two moments of betrayal that are often remembered very differently: Judas’s betrayal of Jesus and Peter’s denial. Both actions are predicted by Jesus, but the stories carry distinct emotional tones, inviting questions about intention, choice, and redemption.

Judas’s decision feels calculated. In Luke 22:3-4 (NLT), “Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.” The text emphasizes Judas’s deliberate choice to seek out the religious leaders, negotiate payment, and lead them to Jesus. There’s no mention of hesitation or inner struggle. His betrayal seems cold, yet it also feels strangely ordinary—a financial transaction, a quiet arrangement in the shadows.

Panic, Pressure, and a Bitter Look

Peter’s story feels different. In Luke 22:33, Peter declares, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” His denial later that same night shows a stark contrast between confidence and fear. When confronted by bystanders, Peter insists three times that he doesn’t know Jesus, and Luke 22:61 says, “At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” That look is powerful: Peter breaks down, weeping bitterly. His failure is immediate, raw, and deeply human.

What’s interesting is how these two betrayals are remembered. Judas’s name has become synonymous with treachery, while Peter is seen as a flawed but ultimately faithful disciple. Later chapters show Peter’s restoration, but Judas’s story ends with his death, a tragic close to his narrative. Was Judas beyond redemption, or is it simply that the text doesn’t offer us more of his story? Would Peter’s reputation be different if we didn’t see his redemption arc?

Loyalty, Fear, and the Thin Line Between Them

Both accounts highlight how fear and pressure can lead to choices we never imagine ourselves making. Judas acts with calculation, Peter reacts with panic. Both betrayals, however, occur within the same night, in the same circle of trusted friends. It’s striking how close betrayal can sit to loyalty—how quickly trust can fracture under stress.

John 13 adds another layer by showing Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, including Judas’s. This act of service is performed just hours before Judas leads Jesus to arrest. The contrast is sharp: Jesus serves Judas, knowing what’s coming, and He warns Peter of his impending denial without anger or rejection. There’s a calm acceptance of their humanity.

These passages invite us to consider how betrayal and failure are woven into every story, even the most significant ones. Judas and Peter remind us that loyalty isn’t always steady, and courage can falter when fear takes hold. The text leaves space to reflect on judgment, mercy, and the thin line between the two.