SCRIPTURE:
“Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”
John 13:36-38
OBSERVATION:
Peter doesn’t understand what Jesus is trying to tell him. He thinks Jesus is going on a road trip without him, so Peter asks why he can’t go and emphatically responds that he’d lay down his life for Him. I can almost see Jesus’s face, a slight frown with his eyebrows scrunched, as he asks “Really?” Obviously he knows what will happen. My N.B.D. (New Braddah Version) of the Bible reads “Brah, not even, tree times you going say – I don’t know dis guy!”
APPLICATION:
Peter’s first denial when he is questioned isn’t in response towards a high priest, nope, it’s a servant girl who breaks him, and begins the process of his denial of Jesus. On this end of knowing the story, it’s easy for us to condemn Peter and shake our heads at him. How could you, Peter? After all Jesus had done for you. Yet, if we’re being completely honest, haven’t we all done something similar at some point? Perhaps in our actions or lack of responses to others, that we have denied Jesus.
For Peter’s three denials, there are three things we can do to move towards our affirmation of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The first is this, that we would…
Admit Our Weakness
As Nehemiah began the rebuilding of the wall he was well aware of the opposition that he faced. He understood his weakness and prayed for Strength.
“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” – Nehemiah 6:9
The second is that we would…
Acknowledge Our Doubt
The father begging Jesus to heal his son understood that faith was needed, but that his faith was failing in light of what he saw before him. He needed Christ’s help and acknowledges it. He gets honest and makes a bold ask.
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” - Mark 9:24
Third and lastly, that we would…
Always Have An Answer
The saying goes – Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail. Prepare well. Always have an answer. We read this:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” – 1 Peter 3:15
As the challenges come and this world gets darker, my faith as a believer will at some point come into question. I pray that I would have boldness and courage when those times of testing roll around, and understand that I will need to admit to my weakness and ask for strength from The Lord. That I would acknowledge my doubt and ask for help from Jesus, and always have an answer for the reason of my hope in Christ.
PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, forgive me when I have denied you. Thank You Lord for continuing to love me and continuing to chase after me, just as You did with Peter. May I come to you for strength, for help with my faith and to have an answer for the reason of my hope in You, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
