Peter Denies Jesu

John 18:12-18 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people. 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself…25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?”
He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
 
FOR centuries, Peter has been judged, condemned and mocked for this. Often when someone in church mentions Peter’s name, “Denied Christ.” is the first response. Then we often hear Peter was passionate and impulsive. He is the “Rock”. Seldom, if ever, does anyone mention he is the apostle – Jesus’ chosen messenger – who preached the church’s first sermon (Acts 2). Peter raised Dorcas from death (Acts 9:36-39). He was the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9). Peter also authored two epistles of the New Testament, and Peter helped Mark with the information to write Mark. Yes, Peter’s denial was a terrible sin. He needed to repent. And he did. His restored faith became a rock of the church’s formation and development.
    Peter’s denial was God’s will for Peter’s life. Jesus told Peter he had granted Satan permission to sift you (Luke 22:31). God tested Peter to teach him he needed the Helper to faithfully live in Jesus’ salvation. When Jesus restored Peter (John 21) Peter’s life became fully committed to Jesus.
    If you might doubt Jesus’ ability to redeem you sin, remember both Peter’s denial and Peter’s redemption. Your past sins will not chain you if you trust Jesus’ redemptive resurrection power.
    See this as the Spirit’s warning and promise to you. Be aware! Fear of the world and lack of trusting your faith in Jesus can lead you into the darkest places. Believe that when you repent Jesus will restore you into his light.
 
Resurrection Truth: In Jesus’ resurrection your denial becomes determination.