All Have Sinned

Not one person stood by Jesus as he was being accused.  Judas betrayed Him, the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling body) unjustly accused Him, the Roman governor condemned Him, the Disciples deserted Him...and even the previously unmentioned young man following Jesus fled naked when they seized Him.  (Tradition says the fleeing naked guy was probably John Mark, the writer of this Gospel.)

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

It's easy to get angry at Judas and the governing leaders who sent Jesus to the cross.  We are very good at ranking our own actions against others so we feel better about the things we've done.  But all of us are like the disciples in some form...we've all been guilty of denying Christ at one time or another in our thoughts and actions.  Some sins may seem worse than others because their worldly consequences are greater...but from the perspective of eternal life - ALL sin separates us from God (there are no big or little sins), but ALL can be forgiven.  Judas missed out on that part by committing suicide.  Just like his betrayal of Jesus was a choice...Judas chose despair and death before he ever really knew Jesus.  His choice prevented him from repentance, forgiveness, hope and eternal life.