Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:31-35,57-75; 27:1-10

On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. – Matthew 26:31-35

PETER DECLARED HIS LOYALTY.

Peter’s response was so genuine. I truly believe he had no intention of denying he was one of Jesus’ closest friends. He loved him dearly. When he said he would die for Jesus, I believe he meant it. So what happened between this declaration of loyalty and the denial? What caused Peter to behave differently than he predicted he would?

Jesus was led to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, and all of the teachers of religious law and elders gathered around him. The disciples had scattered but Peter followed from a distance, slipping into the high priest’s courtyard to see what was happening to Jesus.

The leading priests and high council had been searching for someone who would testify against Jesus, and they had found two men who took a statement Jesus had made and used it out of context. “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” (Matthew 26:61). The high priest demanded that Jesus explain himself, but he remained silent. Then the high priest demanded, in the name of God, that Jesus tell them if he was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”

Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?” – Matthew 26:64-68

I imagine Peter could hear what was happening from the courtyard; he could hear the outrage of the accusations, the verdict of guilt, and the sound of each blow to Jesus’ body. He was probably in disbelief that this was really happening. I imagine his heart was pounding and his mind racing. It was too much to take in. Peter was human and he was probably experiencing all the emotions we would if the person we loved most in the world was being assaulted and condemned to die. His grief was interrupted by the sound of a young girl asking him a question. He was not prepared to answer her; he allowed fear to take over as he did the exact thing Jesus said he would.

A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. – Matthew 26:69b-70

Time passed before another servant girl approached Peter. This time she spoke to those around her, declaring that Peter had been with Jesus of Nazareth. They were by the gate at this point, which tells us Peter had put some distance between himself and what was happening inside. Perhaps there was something inside of him that wanted to run, yet something within him that compelled him to stay.

PETER WAS PUTTING DISTANCE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND JESUS.

Peter denied knowing Jesus again. Time passed. Another bystander walked over to Peter, insisting that Peter was one of Jesus’ followers. His Galilean accent had given him away. This time Peter answered strongly.

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

It was done. He had betrayed his closest friend and it could not be undone. He walked away — away from the pressure of the accusations and away from the Jesus he had proclaimed he would die for. Judas was feeling a similar remorse, because the next morning he took the 30 pieces of silver back to the leading priests and elders in hopes of undoing the mess he had made. He declared that Jesus was innocent, but it was too late. He threw down the coins, went out and hung himself (27:5).

The weight of our sin can cause us to behave in ways we never thought we would. The recognition that we have been unfaithful to God can change the trajectory of our life. But please know today, my friend, that we serve a God of mercy who longs to restore you to a right relationship with Him. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die on a cross for you. His love for you is so great that He is willing to clothe you in His righteousness in order to draw you into His presence. Bring all your fear and regret to the Lord, and experience His forgiveness. His grace is abundant and His arms are open wide in invitation. Don’t run away; don’t punish yourself. Allow the One who is worthy to make something beautiful out of your story this Christmas.

PETER ALLOWED GOD TO REDEEM HIS STORY.

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. – Acts 2:38-41