Peter denied Jesus three times, but Judas denied Christ once.

Jesus sets a new level of what true love is. Whether it be between husband and wife, friends, young people or old people, or co-workers, there can be true friendship and true love. There was true friendship and love between Peter and Jesus. In true love you are ready to die for one another.

We are friends, no matter our faults or weakness, our failures or sins. We can love each other unto death. On the part of Jesus, He loved and trusted Peter unto death. Though Peter denied him three times, Jesus remained faithful to him. Though all His friends and all those whom He serves turn against Him, Jesus never stopped loving them.

The disciples were absent and full of fear when Herod, Pontius Pilate, the scribes, pharisees and elders condemned Jesus to death. “I know not the man,” said Peter, His best friend and chosen leader who gave false witness. “I tell you, I do not know the man.”

Jesus was deeply hurt but remained silent. He continued being who he is, as He was shoved, pushed, kicked, and mocked in prison and on His journey to Gethsemane and to Calvary.

He died on the cross, saying with compassion, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

What is the level of love Christ has for us? It is absolute love, it is unconditional love? He has set a new level of love for us. He has told us we must be prepared to be martyred for one another. We must be ready to lay down our life for one another. Between husbands and wives, between friends, and even between enemies, we must love like Jesus and be ready to die for one another in order to bring peace.

“This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you.”

Christ died for us, and we must die for one another. Friendship that binds people together is needed for everyone. Jesus came to Earth to love each of us and for us to love one another. Though we are all sinners, He never stops loving us. All He asks of us is that we forgive one another, putting aside our feelings and suffering. We must try once again, holding hands together, communicating unconditionally, respectfully, even unto death.

Whereas Peter denied Jesus, he returned to Jesus after His death and resurrection and sought out the Lord with His disciples — to seek out and serve the one true living God.

For Judas, money was the greatest love. He threw away the 30 pieces of silver. He did not believe in God’s love, he did not believe in community, he did not believe on God’s forgiveness. The only thing he believed in was money, but at the end he lost faith even in money. It cannot buy God’s love, community life, or the heavenly kingdom.

On the other hand, Peter, James, and John as well as the three Marys gathered together remembering the great things and the great love Jesus has for everyone — the poorest and most forgotten and we, the greatest of sinners. They continued to spread the heavenly kingdom of God’s love and brought hope and happiness to all.

I encourage you, brothers and sisters, love like Jesus. Love one another unconditionally. Call upon Jesus to give you strength, ask forgiveness from one another, forgive all others their sins, and love the poor and most forgotten ones. This will bring you great happiness and peace.