Facing the Unpleasant

     We all want to embrace the good things in life.  That is natural.  Most of us would avoid the pain or unpleasant aspects if we had a choice.  After all, who wants to be uncomfortable, even if it may be for our own good.
     Jesus faced what He knew would be horrible and He faced it with dignity.  On top of that He watched out for His friends.  He tried to make it easier on them.  The night it all began, He began with washing His disciple's feet.  Peter was not comfortable with this, but Jesus just explained that he would understand later. 
     Out of all of them, Jesus knew that Peter needed a little extra attention.  Peter was a passionate and impulsive man.  That holds good qualities, but it can also cause a lot of personal pain and regret.  Jesus had a special plan for Peter, but first Peter had to face some horrific internal pain.
     Jesus' spirit was troubled, so He talked with His apostles about what it meant to believe in Him.  Jesus was there when Satan entered Judas.  Judas set his own path and it led to his destruction.  The others would disappoint Him, but their souls would be saved. 
     All Jesus did was to bring God glory, even Him preparing the apostles was to accomplish this. Jesus confronted Peter on what Peter would do in just a few hours.  Poor Peter just could not understand.  He could not see himself ever betraying Jesus. 
     The difference between Peter and Judas was that Peter's betrayal was for survival while Judas was selfish ambition.  Love is how you can tell who belongs to God and who does not.

John 13