Matthew 26:20-75
1 Peter 1-2
I began preparation for today’s post as I always do. First, I thought about what I already knew of Peter. I remembered that Peter was a fisherman, that his name means “rock” and he was a disciple of Christ. I also recalled how he denied Jesus 3 times before Jesus was crucified.
Next, I read through Matthew 26:20-75, which sets the stage for Peter’s denial. After the disciples had finished The Last Supper, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him 3 times. Then it actually happened, Peter denies Jesus 3 times and the rooster crowed!
Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying-I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind; “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away weeping bitterly. Matthew 26:74 &75
Peter, the “rock” of the church and a close friend of Jesus denies Him 3 times. I read this and think how could Peter do this? But, then I think of myself and times I have also done what I don’t want to do or think that I would ever do. Just as Peter, I am sorely disappointed in myself and what I have done and what I never thought I would do.
But then, I go on to read 1 Peter 1 &2. What a difference. We go from Peter denying that He knows Jesus to then Peter actually writing encouraging and helpful words to believers that were suffering persecution.
How did Peter go from weeping bitterly from denying Jesus to writing encouraging words to believers?
As soon as Peter heard the rooster crow, his heart fell. He felt the depth of his own failure. He realized that he had just done the very thing that Jesus had said he would do. The thing that Peter insists he would never do. It was perhaps the worst moment of his life.
Jesus is now dead. Peter’s last encounter with him was denial. There is not time for apologies. No time to ask Jesus to forgive him. Can you imagine the guilt that he felt?
Jesus was dead. Peter stayed with the other disciples. On the third day after Jesus’ death, the disciples get a message from Mary Magdalene that the tomb where Jesus was put is empty.
Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” Mark 16:7
Can you imagine how Peter felt when he heard this? How nervous he must have been to maybe meet Jesus face to face again after denying him?
But Peter ran to the tomb and pushed right inside the tomb. He saw that Jesus’ burial cloths were neatly folded. Where is Jesus?
Notice that the message was to “go tell the disciples and Peter”. Peter was singled out because Jesus had a message for Peter. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, would be given another chance.
Jesus still loved Peter. Jesus was going to show mercy and forgiveness to Peter.
He does the same for you and me.
Peter went to Galilee to meet Jesus just like the angel told him too. Where do you go to look for Jesus?
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can cling tightly to the promise in Romans 8:1 that says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.
Peter was forgiven and given an amazing ministry.