Jesus Had Bad Friends Too: The Biblical Case for Cutting People Off

Iris Leon
3 days ago
3 min read

(Come for the theology, stay for the sanctified boundaries.)

Let’s just get this out of the way:

If you’ve ever been guilt-tripped into keeping toxic people in your life because you’re “supposed to be Christ-like,” allow me to biblically rebuke that misconception with the same energy Jesus flipped temple tables (John 2:15).

Here’s the truth your soul needs:Jesus loved perfectly, but He did not relate indiscriminately. He knew when to draw boundaries, confront betrayal, and walk away without apology. Holiness is not passivity. Grace does not equal access.

Exhibit A: Judas Iscariot – The Proximity Betrayer

Judas was not just a disciple—he was trusted with the group finances (John 12:6). For three years, he had front-row seats to miracles, signs, and wonders. And yet, his heart remained corrupt. Jesus saw through it. At the Last Supper, He looked Judas in the face and said, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27). No begging. No bargaining. No broken-hearted manipulation. Let’s be clear: Jesus released Judas to his own choices. He didn't chase him after the betrayal. He didn't form a reconciliation committee. He exposed the darkness, called it by name, and let him go.

Moral: Some people reveal themselves. Your job isn’t to redeem their character—it’s to recognize their role and release them.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”—1 Corinthians 15:33

Exhibit B: Peter – The Loyal Yet Weak Friend

Peter had zeal—but not yet the character to match. He swore loyalty but denied Jesus three times in one night (Luke 22:61). The moment their eyes met after the rooster crowed must’ve cut like a blade. Did Jesus love Peter? Undeniably. But post-resurrection, He didn’t gloss over the betrayal. In John 21:15–17, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”—mirroring the three denials. He restores Peter with accountability.

Moral: Forgiveness is free, but trust is rebuilt. Jesus didn’t ignore what happened—He addressed it, healed it, and then gave Peter new responsibility.

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”—Luke 17:3

Exhibit C: The Fickle Disciples – The Fairweather Friends

At Golgotha, Jesus is dying—and most of the disciples are missing. When pressure came, they fled. Matthew 26:56 says, “Then all the disciples left Him and fled.”

Still, Jesus didn’t lash out or call them fake. He focused on His mission. The few who remained—John, Mary, and the women—became the foundation of resurrection testimony.

Moral: Not everyone walks the whole journey with you. Some people are meant for a season, not a lifetime.

“They went out from us, but they were not of us…”—1 John 2:19

Holy Boundaries Are Not Unholy Behavior

Boundaries Are Biblical

Jesus often withdrew from crowds to pray (Luke 5:16), avoided confrontations not appointed by the Father (John 7:6), and walked away from toxic familiarity in Nazareth (Luke 4:29–30).

Even in love, He maintained purposeful distance. Proximity was never confused with approval.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”—Proverbs 4:23

Releasing Isn’t Revenge

Letting people walk isn’t bitterness—it’s obedience. Romans 12:19 says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” You’re not called to fix or chase every broken relationship. Sometimes the most Christ-like thing you can do is let go without hate.

“Shake the dust off your feet…” (Matthew 10:14) was not poetic—it was protocol.

Forgiveness Doesn’t Equal Reentry

Jesus forgave, but He also assessed readiness. Peter had to reaffirm love before being trusted again. Paul later warned Timothy to avoid Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14–15), even though forgiveness is assumed.

“Don’t throw your pearls to pigs…”—Matthew 7:6(Translation: Some people will trample what’s sacred. Discern wisely.)

You’re Not a Doormat with a WWJD Bracelet

Jesus’ love had teeth. He rebuked Peter (“Get behind me, Satan” – Matthew 16:23), rebuked cities (“Woe to you, Chorazin…” – Matthew 11:21), and cleared toxic systems (temple cleansing – Mark 11:15–17). Being Christ-like doesn’t mean tolerating dysfunction. It means staying aligned with the will of God—even when it means drawing the line.

Final Word: Be Like Jesus, But With Boundaries

Jesus had bad friends. He was betrayed, denied, abandoned—and still fulfilled His mission. You don’t need perfect people to walk in divine purpose. You need discernment, conviction, and the courage to let go.

This isn’t about cutting off every flawed person. It’s about not tethering your peace to those who prove repeatedly they don’t value it. Jesus knew who to rebuke, who to restore, and who to release. And if you’re wondering if it’s time to unfollow someone who only texts when they’re in crisis? Take it to prayer. But don’t ignore the pattern.