I had a listener call my radio show recently. “I’ve been a Christian for 5 years, but I haven’t always lived like one,” she said anxiously. “I want to know, does there come a time when God won’t forgive us anymore?” I recounted the following story to her: Jesus had arranged a secret location to eat the Passover dinner with His disciples—something He’d been “very eager” to share with them (Luke 22:7-38). Very eager? Just think about whom He ate dinner with and what would soon happen.
In a few short moments Jesus announced that someone sitting at the table would betray Him (vv.21-22). He already knew that Judas was the hired hit man (vv.3-6). Would you feel “eager” to dine with your assassin?
On hearing this news, the disciples didn’t grow concerned for their Friend’s safety; no, they started discussing who the betrayer could be (v.23). The conversation fragmented further as they argued about which of them would be the “greatest” (vv.24-27).Before the dinner was finished, these same friends frustrated and misunderstood Jesus—with disastrous results (vv.49-50). Jesus also broke the news of Peter’s betrayal (vv.33-34).
Immediately following dinner, Judas would betray Jesus (vv.47-48), Peter would disown Him (vv.54-62), the others would abandon Him (Mark 14:50), and Jesus would be crucified. Jesus knew the evil the evening held, yet He was still “very eager” to share it with His disciples. It was to these flawed friends that He gave His kingdom (Luke 22:28-30).
Can you exhaust the forgiveness of God? my caller asked. Not a chance, I replied. Leave your life of sin but don’t doubt the grace of Jesus. If He welcomes flawed friends like His disciples into His kingdom, He’s got a place for us too.
( by Sheridan Voysey)
Read Romans 8:38-39 to remind yourself of the depths of God’s love. Read 1 John 1:9 for guidance on dealing with sin.
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