PCIM

DINNER BELLS AND SERVANT SONGS

The Lord had gathered with the Twelve
To celebrate the Feast,
The Passover, the time when God
Had Israel released.

Back then the Lord had overpassed
His children with The Death,
But not this time: His Son would soon
face a criminal's dark death.

The Savior took His garment off
With towel and washing bowl
He washed their feet and bore to them
His Suffering Servant's soul!

Now, Jesus knew His hour was near.
The Twelve had much to learn!
Before the rooster would crow thrice
Two would the Savior spurn.

The difference, though, between the two
Would soon be very clear!
Judas hung himself to death
Peter wept with bitter tears.

-----Dwan C, Johnson (Graceblest)

Jesus never scorned Judas, never pointed an accusing finger at him. Perhaps this was what Judas could not bear once he knew what he had done would cost Jesus his life. Repentance was so close for Judas, and all he would have had to have done was share his tears with Peter for each turned away from Jesus. I like this poem.

Thank you, Given. A number of years ago (many, many actually) we had a Sunday School lesson comparing and contrasting the Peter's denial of Christ and Judas' betrayal of Him. The powerful impact of that lesson stuck with me and led to my writing this poem years and years later.

You are so right that Jesus never condemed, scorned, or even criticized what Judas was doing, even though that betrayal would lead to his Crucifixion. But the Scripture does say that once Judas had received the sop from Jesus, Satan entered into him. (Not sure of the verse, but it's in John 13, I believe.) Peter's agonizing tears and the precious look in our Savior's eyes, however, led to his repentance and forgiveness. What a difference!