It gives me pause to think about all Jesus knew about his disciples yet treated them with love and respect throughout his ministry with them. Peter was going to publicly deny him. All of the disciples were going to run away when they saw the detachment of officers and soldiers coming to arrest him. And we are all familiar with the fact that Judas would sell him out for a pocket full of silver (John 16:31-32; 13:38; 13:21-27).
It was not only near the time of the crucifixion that Judas sold Jesus out. He had been taking money from the treasury of Jesus ministry all along (John 12:1-6). He was the first century con man collecting money for one cause and using it for another. Jesus knowing that Judas was a thief still allowed him to handle the finances. It is certainly not recommended to keep a known thief in charge of church books.
If Jesus was this patient and loving toward the unrepentant thief, how do you think he will respond to our sincere repentance?
