Have you ever made a mistake so big you wanted to just hide under your bed with a flashlight and a box of cookies? Or Is that just me?

Well, you're not alone. Two of Jesus' closest followers — Peter and Judas — made huge mistakes. Today is divine mercy Sunday, and these two chosen disciples of Jesus' stories teach us a golden truth: God's mercy is bigger than our biggest mess-ups.

If you've ever messed up (and who hasn't?), you'll find hope here.

In this post, you'll see:

• How Peter and Judas both failed Jesus in a big way
• How their choices afterward made all the difference
• How Divine Mercy is still reaching for you and me today

This post shares my personal reflections based on Scripture and personal faith experiences. It is not professional counseling or pastoral advice. If you are facing deep emotional struggles, please seek guidance from a trusted pastor, counselor, or professional.

So grab your tea (or coffee), pull up a chair, and let's step into the most important conversation we might have all week.

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." (Psalm 103:8, KJV)

Peter and Judas' Failure

Let's take a walk back to that dark, confusing night when Jesus was arrested.

Peter — loud, brave, foot-in-his-mouth Peter — promised Jesus he would never leave His side.

But when he was arrested, Peter got scared. He denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times!

"And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly." (Matthew 26:75, KJV)

Peter's heart was heavy when he realized he had betrayed the One he loved most. But here's the catch: Peter's story didn't end there.

Now, Judas — he made a deal with the enemy. He sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver — about the cost of a cheap pair of sneakers today.

"Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself..." (Matthew 27:3, KJV)

But instead of running to Jesus for forgiveness like Peter, Judas ran away and gave up.

Two men. Two terrible mistakes. Two very different endings.

Why?

Because Peter believed in the mercy of God, he cried out. He repented.

He trusted that Jesus could still love him — even after he failed.

And Jesus did! After the resurrection, Jesus met Peter and lovingly restored him. "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?... Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee." (John 21:17, KJV)

Peter went on to preach, heal, and change the world for Christ.

Judas, sadly, couldn't see the mercy still waiting for him. He thought his failure was final. He forgot that Jesus' mercy is a river — wide, deep, and always flowing.

Thought-Provoking Question:

If Peter could be forgiven after denying Jesus three times, what makes us think our sins are too big for God's love? My grandmother used to say, "God loves you more than your biggest mistake!"

Today, maybe you're feeling like Peter. Maybe you've messed up, said the wrong thing, took the wrong turn.

Good news:

You are still loved.

You are still wanted.

You are still invited to run into the arms of Divine Mercy.

"The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psalm 145:9, KJV)

God's mercy doesn't have an expiration date.

Thought to ponder:

Will you be like Peter — and let His mercy pick you up?

Or will you stay stuck like Judas, thinking it's too late?

Modern Reflection:

In today's world, people will "cancel" you for one mistake.

But God doesn't cancel. He restores.

He is not looking for perfect people — He's looking for surrendered hearts.

So, friend, today, let's be brave enough to believe in His mercy.

It's still flowing.

It's still for you.

And it's still enough.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for mercy that flows deeper than our failures. Thank You for loving us even when we fall short. Teach us to run to You like Peter did and not away like Judas. Help us to believe that Your arms are always open and Your love never runs out. Give us the courage to trust Your heart today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you were encouraged by this story of Divine Mercy, share it with someone who might need to hear that it's never too late to come home to Jesus.

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