June 17, 2012 Peter's Four Denials

Peter’s Four Denials Mark 14:29-31 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today — yes, tonight — before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. I KNOW. You’re saying, “Peter didn’t deny Jesus four times.” And so it was as recorded in Scripture. But let’s consider Peter’s words to Jesus in this Scripture. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth…you yourself will disown me three times.” What’s true when Jesus said, “I tell you the truth”? Of course, what he said was true. But Peter denied Jesus’ truth here. “I will never disown you.” He said. Peter, my friend, arguing with the Truth is futile. Wouldn’t it have been better for you to go into prayer about what Jesus had said? Wouldn’t you want to find strength to get through the trial you were about to face? Wouldn’t you pray for the Father to guard your heart amid the hurt that was about to happen? Wouldn’t you have sought the Lord’s strength to endure the agony of denying your Lord? Peter, you good man, why were you so eager to argue with Jesus? He’s your rabbi. You’ve seen him do miracles. You’ve seen his glory on the mount. You’ve heard him chastise the Pharisees for their unbelief. Peter! Wake up and see what the sovereign Lord has purposed for you. I know you don’t like this purpose. Jesus certainly didn’t like going to the cross, but he said, “Yes, Father.” But, Peter, All you can say is “No, Lord.” Pause and consider, Peter, you need to figure out who’s Lord of your life.