Scripture:
Matthew 26:75 – And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Observation:
Jesus knows how we are going to act and offers us forgiveness when we sin. Jesus gave the disciples hope when he told them that after the resurrection he would go to Galilee. Peter and the rest of the disciples had been faithless and failed/left Jesus at his time of greatest need. Peter is sad and remorseful for his denial of Jesus.
Application:
Peter, who moments before told Jesus they may fall away because of you but I will never fall away, denies Jesus three times on the night of his arrest. Peter recognizes what he has done to his Lord and is very sad. When we do something that is wrong to God, we feel sad or guilty. I don’t want to think of the number of times that I have denied Jesus prior to becoming a believer. The Gospel is the story of hope and forgiveness of all sin including that of Peter, the disciples and mine. Jesus, didn’t say Peter you failed and I’m be done with you. We serve a God of restoration, who gives us second, third chances. Through the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit, God uses Peter to preach the first evangelistic message at Pentecost.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for your love and the hope, forgiveness of the Gospel. Through your Spirit help me to be strong in my faith and to rely on you, not my own understanding. When I fail, may I be repentant and get back up to continue serving you.