John 13:21-30

John 13:21-30 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Let's imagine that you started a diet a few years back, and you've been disciplined to it every day since then.  You've had all sorts of opportunities to stray, but you never have.  And then we meet for lunch one day, and it's been a rough week, and you've been beaten down, and I tell you that you'll probably order cheesecake that week.  You deny it and can't believe it, but a few days later, after more opposition, you give in and order the cheesecake and eat the whole thing, feeling terrible and wonderful.  When I told you that you'd give in, you were infuriated, but when temptation overwhelmed your defenses, it turns out I was right.
  The disciples each claimed they'd never deny or desert Jesus.  Judas betrayed him, and the rest fled in the Garden when he was being arrested.  Asking them ahead of time only brought denials, but when they were scared and felt vulnerable, they ran to save themselves.
  The great news of the Gospel is this:  Jesus knows that we are weak, that we are sheep in need of a Shepherd, and he comes to us anyway.  He called the disciples knowing they would desert him, and he loved them and sent them just the same.  He kept Judas in his company for years, knowing Judas would betray him.  He loves me, despite the many times I fail him. 
  Jesus is the Good  Shepherd, and he loves us with an incredible and amazing love.  He loves us despite our failures, and we are forgiven despite our weaknesses.  Do not believe for an instant that your weaknesses disqualify you.  God loves you and comes to you, even in your weakest moments when you give in to temptation.