In life, each of us is on a journey. We have a destination we are striving for, a goal to reach, or a version of ourselves we hope to become. Along the way, we’ll encounter both friends and foes. Some people will pull us closer to where we need to be, while others seem to push us off course. Yet, sometimes it is hard to figure out which is which. Sometimes, even those we call friends can become distractions, pulling us away from God’s plan. And sometimes, our foes are the ones who push us toward His will. Jesus’ relationships with Peter and Judas are perfect examples of how this works.
Judas Iscariot—The Betrayer
Judas is known for betraying Jesus, for selling Him out to the authorities. His act of betrayal is a clear case of opposition and evil, a friend who later turns into an enemy. But as painful as it was, Judas’ betrayal was actually part of God’s perfect plan for Jesus. Though it seemed like the actions of an enemy, Judas was helping fulfill the greater purpose for Jesus’ life. At the moment of betrayal, Jesus still called Judas “friend”.
"And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him." (Matthew 26:50, KJV)
It was through Judas’ betrayal that Jesus moved closer to His mission of salvation—the cross. Although Judas’ actions came from greed and selfishness, God used them to bring Jesus closer to His ultimate purpose.
Peter—The Loving Friend
Peter, on the other hand, was one of Jesus’ most trusted companions. He deeply loved Jesus, but that love also blinded him to God’s larger plan. When Jesus began to explain that He would suffer and die, Peter refused to accept it:
"Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." (Matthew 16:22, KJV)
Jesus knew His suffering was necessary, and He rebuked Peter harshly:
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23, KJV)
Peter, despite his friendship and love for Jesus, was actually standing in the way of God’s greater plan.
Lessons for Us
Enemies aren’t always a bad thing.
Judas, the betrayer, was used by God to bring Jesus closer to His purpose, while Peter, a loving friend, unknowingly tried to steer Jesus away from it. Sometimes, the people who cause us pain—like Judas—are the ones pushing us closer to where God wants us to be. And those who love us the most—like Peter—might actually be pulling us away from it.
We must submit to God’s greater plan.
Jesus knew that both suffering and betrayal were part of His purpose. He didn’t resist or fight against it, but instead, embraced the path that was laid out for Him. In our lives, we, too, must trust that even the difficult and painful moments are working toward something greater.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, KJV)
We need to be careful about whose voice we listen to.
Even well-meaning friends may sometimes lead us away from God’s plan for our lives. Jesus didn’t just accept Peter’s words because they came from a friend. Instead, He discerned that Peter’s good intentions were, in fact, a hindrance to God’s will. Like Jesus, we must learn to recognize when the advice or influence of those close to us—though coming from a place of love—might not be aligned with the greater purpose God has for us.