Intentional or Unintentional? Part Two
Last week, we discussed the fact that sin comes down to intent. Are you intentionally seeking after God but, due to human nature, still falling short? Or are you someone who is intentionally shaking their fist at God and, in your pride, think that you can go against the Creator of the universe? In last week’s post, we looked at Numbers 15 and saw that a man was killed for the simple act of gathering sticks. While this might have seemed like an overreaction, we saw that it came down to the man’s intention behind his act. However, Scripture had already shown that God commanded the Sabbath to be a holy day of rest, a fact this man knew and willingly and intentionally chose to ignore God’s command. With the reminder out of the way, today I want to turn to two men. One who was seeking after God but made a mistake, and another who allowed his sinful nature to turn him away from the God he claimed to follow.
I do not believe it was a coincidence that God laid it on my heart to study the twelve disciples before tackling this issue. In fact, the realization I had about Numbers 15 came well before I began my study of the disciples. And I think God had me going through the book of Numbers to prepare for this topic, so that I could see and share with you the results of these two men. With that said, let us look at the first disciple.
In our study of the disciples, much was said about Peter. Peter often questioned Jesus and even went so far as to tell Jesus that he did not want Jesus to be crucified. Peter was then, rightfully, corrected by Jesus for not keeping his mind on the things of God. However, one thing that I did not discuss in our study was Peter’s denial.
“66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.”
Mark 14:66-72
In this passage, we see the fulfillment of Jesus telling Peter that he would deny Him (Mark 14:30). But we see an important realization about Peter. When he remembered Jesus’ words, Peter broke down. He knew that his actions had gone against God, and Peter repented. Peter made an intentional decision to live his life fully for Jesus Christ, knowing full well his sinful nature would be something he would struggle with until he was separated from it at death or the Rapture. This is a fact that Jesus prophesied about earlier on as well. “31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32. Jesus already knew that Peter would deny Him, and He also knew that Peter would repent of his actions. This is why Jesus states that when Peter turns back, he is to strengthen his brothers in their faith. Peter made the intentional decision to live the life that Jesus wanted for him. Again, this does not mean that the rest of Peter’s life was easy. In fact, we know that he was eventually martyred. What it does mean, however, is that Peter allowed Jesus to use him to make Peter’s life impactful in sharing the gospel.
Now, the other man that we are discussing today is the exact opposite. It probably comes as no surprise that I am speaking of Judas Iscariot. This is a man who followed after Jesus, witnessed His miracles, saw the power of God, and still turned away from it to fulfill his own desires. In our study of the disciples, we had already discussed the actions that led Judas to betray Jesus intentionally and willingly. Judas was not a pawn in the events that led to Jesus’s crucifixion. As we discussed when we sought to understand more about Judas, we saw that there is a comparison between him and Ester. Ester had the free will to either save the Jewish people or not. Judas had the free will to either betray Jesus or not. In both scenarios, if either individual had chosen not to do what they ultimately did, God would have raised another to fulfill His plan. This is why I know that Judas intentionally betrayed Jesus. Judas had the same opportunities as the other disciples to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and in fact, he had more opportunities than some who placed their faith in Jesus. In spite of all the evidence presented to him, Judas still willfully betrayed the Son of God.
Interestingly, both Peter and Judas represent the two types of repentance found in the Bible. When you look at the Greek word for “repent” found in Matthew 27:3 (when Judas repents his actions), you see that the Greek word is G3338 “metamelomai,” which is an emotional response to an action but does not imply any lasting change in behavior. Judas recognized that his actions were wrong, but he did not turn to God and ask for forgiveness. He allowed his regret over his actions to affect him in the same way that his pride did, ultimately resulting in his death and condemnation.
Peter, on the other hand, experienced and preached the other form of repentance. The word that describes Peter's actions is G3340 “metanoeo”. The difference with this word for repentance is that it refers to a change in thought. It is the recognition that our actions go against God, and to turn away from it. G3340 is the word Jesus uses in Matthew 4:17, where He begins His public ministry and calls people to repent of their actions. It is the same word that John the Baptist uses when he is calling people to repent and be baptized. And Peter uses this form of repentance multiple times in the book of Acts. Peter repented of his actions and turned away from sin and towards God.
Now that we better understand the actions of these two men. I ask that you reflect on your own repentance. Have you seen how you go against God’s word and have intentionally turned away from it? Or are you having an emotional response to an action but continuing in it anyway? If so, this is not true repentance for your sins. You are still intentionally going against God. The good news is that “metamelomai” can become “metanoeo” (which is seen in the actions of the son in Matthew 21:28-32). All it takes is for you to intentionally make the choice to follow God. To submit to His will for your life, acknowledge that you are a sinner and that it is only through the actions of Jesus Christ that you can be reconciled to God.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex