Have you ever been confronted by someone asking you if you were one of “those” people, meaning Christian? It can be a bit deflating. It can put you on your guard. Why are they asking? But what about Peter? Obviously, he wanted to keep tabs on what was happening with Jesus. He was not far from where Jesus was being questioned. Was he trying to stay incognito? I’d have to say his denials here were pretty strong and convincing.
To say you don’t know the man, and then even welcome a curse if you’re lying seems very extreme. I don’t think Peter was in his right mind. Jesus had predicted it perfectly. At the crow of the rooster, Peter, too, recalled Jesus’ words. Peter also recalled how adamant he had been that he would never do that to Jesus. Now, it had happened. What else can you do when you are so over-wrought? Peter went and wept bitterly, we are told.
So what about you? Have you drifted away from the ideal Jesus would have for you? Peter’s sin here is also related in the other 3 gospels. Does that make us feel better for our own weakness? Does knowing that Jesus’ right hand man, his dearest disciple could slip up give us reassurance that we are not alone?
We see ourselves in Peter. We, too, are sinners. We fall short of what God intends for us. Peter had a little warning it would happen. We could say we have, too, by means of Scripture. If it can happen to those who were intimately in the presence of God for extended periods of time, why should we be immune? But we shouldn’t stop at the sin. We are forgiven, too.
Peter repented. Peter was overcome with emotion and knew he had let Jesus down. His sin was exposed for all of us to see and to learn from. Did Jesus forgive him? Was Peter cut off for the rest of time? Or, did Peter go on to be a major player in the spread of Christianity throughout the region? Can we, as sinners, be used for great things? Absolutely.
When our hearts are right, we are ready for service. It’s just a matter of timing and assignment. We can’t let our past failures be an excuse to not follow Jesus’ leading in our life. We have been forgiven, after all. We need to get up, brush ourselves off, and open our hearts and minds to a new reality.
We need to remember Peter’s tears and not let the reason that led him to weep be our path. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I look away and fall prey to temptations that contradict your will for my life. I, like, Peter, realize in the midst of those times my mistake. Even if no rooster crows, help me to always stay on track. I do lament the time I have missed with you during my times of searching and testing. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you that you can and do still use me. I look forward to the day when we can spend eternity together. For now, empower me to be your champion here on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
