The Apostle Peter shows how frail we all are and how easily we can turn from Jesus to ourselves in times of stress.

Luke 22:54 – 62

Peter disowns Jesus

⁵⁴ Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. ⁵⁵ And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. ⁵⁶ A servant-girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’

⁵⁷ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said.

⁵⁸ A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’

‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied.

⁵⁹ About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’

⁶⁰ Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the cock crowed. ⁶¹ The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the cock crows today, you will disown me three times.’ ⁶² And he went outside and wept bitterly.

In the passage just before this, we see Jesus warning Peter that he will deny Jesus three times. In the presence of Jesus and in the safety of his friends he rejects this statement, adamant that he would never do such a thing. But as we read this passage we see that Jesus was indeed right. Peter is given not one, not two but three chances to declare himself a follower of Jesus and yet each time is so overcome by the fear of persecution from others that he denies Jesus.  

We have a God that loves us, that sent his only son to die for us, that has given us the opportunity to one day live eternally in heaven with him. It is the most amazing and comforting message and gift we could be given. Yet, it is so easy for us to be so caught up in our world right now, that we forget that bigger picture. We are fed many lies by the world about happiness and security. It can be so easy to succumb to these lies that we end up compromising our faith to be liked by more people, to earn more money, to become more knowledgeable. Our faith becomes undermined by the lies of the world.  

At the end of the passage, as the cock crows and Jesus looks at Peter, he realises what has happened and he weeps. We are reminded here to encourage one another and keep each other accountable in our faith. Remember to pray to God that he might be the centre of all that you do so that we keep our eyes fixed on God’s love and on the goodness of what is to come. Be open and share your struggles with a close friend or your Growth Group so that in those times you won’t be tempted to seek comfort and joy in the things of this world but rather in God and his goodness. We have a great God that has given us everything. Let us remember that, and live that out at all times.

Head: What are some things that tempt us to deny or place God aside, as Peter did?

Heart: When are you tempted to stray from God and seek comfort and joy in the things of this world rather than Him? 

Hands: Who can you talk to, to encourage you in your faith? How can you be an encouragement to others?

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,  

You are a God of mercy, a God of grace and a God of love. We thank you for that. Please help us to focus our hearts and minds on that each and every day. Help us not to be tempted to put the things of this world before you and to keep our eyes fixed on you and your mission for us, to love others and further your kingdom. Help us Lord to be an encouragement and support to our brothers and sisters so that as a community we can work together to keep you at the centre of all that we do. We thank you for all the blessings you pour upon us.  

In Jesus’ name we pray,  

Amen.  

A song to listen to: In Christ Alone – Passion

 Natalie Yong 

Living Church – Creek Road