Tapestry

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”

So, the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” 

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written. (John 21:20-25)

These passages are the last ones in the Gospel according to John.  Peter was believed to have said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”  How should we deal with those who betray us?  Here is a helpful quote:

“Trust is not a gasoline-soaked blanket that succumbs to the matches of betrayal, never able to be used for its warmth again; it’s a tapestry that wears thin in places but can be patched over if you have the right materials, circumstances, and patience to repair it. If you don’t, you’re always the one who feels the coldest when winter comes.” (A.J. Darkholme, Rise of the Morningstar)

Is betrayal the last page or passage in a relationship?  Possibly.  Then again, who wants to be cold when winter comes?  Patches and repair are needed for a tapestry worn thin by betrayal.

Deacon David Pierce