Denying Christ?
Denying Christ?
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
Matthew 26:69-70
Imagine having one of your worst moments recorded in a book that would then be read by literally billions of people. That is the story of Peter. When you read the gospels, you would think that he was the most supportive of Jesus and willing to sacrifice whatever it took for his master but in this moment we see the real face of Peter. We do have to give him credit for at least staying close by from Jesus. He cared enough to stay at a distance and see what was going on but there was nothing in him to stand up or defend Christ.
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
Matthew 26:71-72
The second time he is questioned the Bible says that he made an oath. As people question him, he digs himself deeper and deeper into his weakness and sin. How often do we as humans double down in our faults? How much easier would it be to just admit the mistake? It is on the third that we truly see the original Peter, pre-Christ, appear.
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Matthew 26:73-74
Satan is really good at what he does. Even after spending years with Jesus, Satan is able to bring Peter to his knees in a matter of minutes. This of course is the danger of not completely committing to God. Peter was so close. While the others ran, except for John, he stayed close. He cut a man when they came to arrest Jesus. He wanted to believe and wanted to do what was right but without his whole heart in the game, he fell apart. The beauty of course is that Jesus still didn’t give up on Peter. Jesus kept working on him and the day came when Peter would not deny. Let us strive to give ourselves completely and also keep God’s amazing mercy always in our mind.
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto