Chapter 102
PETER’S DENIAL
Matthew 26:31-35; 26:69-75
Before we begin this study let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
We come before You in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father God we ask for You to please open our ears, our eyes and our heart so we can receive the lessons to be learned from the time when Peter denied his relationship with Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
As you may recall, after Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Feast of Passover and the Lord’s Supper, they sang a hymn. Afterwards, they went out to the Mount of Olives. While they were on the Mount of Olives Jesus told His apostles, including Peter, that because of Him they would be made to stumble. To review what Jesus said and the reaction of Peter we begin by reading from,
[31] Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
[32] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” [33] Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
As we contemplate and reflect upon the above Scriptures the question arises as to; “What is to be learned from Jesus’ statement that His apostles will be made to stumble?” The answer to this question is twofold.
1. God is in control. In other words, what we will find is that Satan must ask permission from God to attack those who belong to Him.
2. For His glory and honor and for our benefit, God may allow Satan to attack those who belong to Him.
To see this we will,
1. Examine what occurred prior to and during the time when Peter denied about his relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Read about Satan’s thorn that was used to afflict the Apostle Paul.
3. Review Satan’s afflictions upon Job to help us understand the church’s call to be a witness of God’s Wisdom and Glory.
With the above introduction in mind let us now examine,
PETER’S DENIAL OF JESUS
We begin this portion of our study by rereading what Jesus said to His apostles concerning His upcoming arrest and trial. To do this we return to,
Matthew 26:31-33
[31] Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
[32] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” [33] Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
To read Jesus’ response to Peter we go to,
Luke 22:31-32
[31] And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. [32] But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Let us notice the following verses,
31 … Satan asked permission to sift Peter like wheat.
32(a) … Notice, Jesus did not ask God the Father to prevent Satan’s sifting. Instead, Jesus asked the Father to not allow Peter’s faith to fail.
This further illustrates that true faith in Jesus Christ is not something we can manufacture or conjure up. No, true faith is a gift from God. To see this let us read from,
Ephesians 2:8-9
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.
To further amplify upon this point, let us recall it was God the Father who revealed to Peter the revelation of who Jesus Christ really is. To see this, we go to the time when Jesus asked His disciples the question; “Who do people say I am?” To read what transpired we go to,
Matthew 16:13-17
[13] When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” [14] So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
As we read the Scriptures we discover it is the same for us. To see this let us read from,
John 6:44-45
[44] No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. [45] It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
Let us now return to Chapter 22 of the Gospel according to Luke and notice the following verse,
32(b) … In this case with Peter, God the Father was going to use the hatred of Satan to prepare Peter to help others. In other words, just as Jesus had to suffer trials and temptations to come to our aid in our time of need, so He was going to prepare Peter. This is why Jesus told Peter that when he (Peter) returns to Him he was to strengthen the rest of the believers.
To see this we begin by reading from,
Hebrews 2:16-18
[16] For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. [17] Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Let us notice the following verses,
16 … Jesus gives aid to the seed of Abraham; this means those who are true born-again believers in Jesus Christ.
17 … To make amends between us and God the Father, Jesus had to be made like you and me, which is a human being. In other words, He had to enter into this world inside a human body. Consequently, Jesus could truly relate to the trials and temptations you and me might be experiencing.
18 … Since Jesus suffered, while being tested or tempted, He is able to help us during our times of being tested.
This is why we can confidently come to Jesus to find mercy and grace in our time of need. To verify this truth let us now read from,
Hebrews 4:14-16
[14] Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
As Jesus foretold, after He was arrested and during the high priest’s inquisition of Him, three times Peter denied his association and knowledge of Jesus. To read about Peter’s denial we go to,
Matthew 26:69-75
[69] Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” [70] But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” [71] And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” [72] But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” [73] And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” [74] Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. [75] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
The New Testament reveals to us that just as Jesus foretold, Peter did recover from his trial. In addition, we find Peter was a faithful apostle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and one of the great pillars of the Christian faith.
THE APPLICATION FOR US
There are times when we too may find ourselves under trials and tribulations. When this happens, let us first remember that as Jesus prayed for Peter, He is also interceding for you and me. To see this let us read from,
Romans 8:34
[34] Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Secondly, we must remember that, trials and tribulations also come to test the genuineness of our faith. To see this, let us read from,
1 Peter 1:3-7
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Let us notice the following verses,
4 … Our inheritance is not of this world. No, our inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled waiting for us in Heaven.
5 … It is not by our strength, determination or our good deeds that keeps us from falling away from God. Through our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, our salvation is secured by God’s power.
Finally, as Jesus told Peter that when he recovers and returns to Him, he (Peter) should go and strengthen the rest of Jesus’ disciples. So it is with us. After we recover from Satan’s sifting within our lives we too are to help, comfort and strengthen those who are suffering. To see this we go to “The Amplified Bible” and read from,
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
[3] Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercies) and the God [Who is the Source] of every consolation and comfort and encouragement; [4] Who consoles and comforts and encourages us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to console (comfort and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the consolation (comfort and encouragement) with which we ourselves are consoled and comforted and encouraged by God.
Let us now move on and read about,
THE APOSTLE PAUL AND SATAN’S THORN
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes how he asked God to deliver him from a messenger of Satan. To read it, let us go to,
2 Corinthians 12:7-8
"[7] To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.”
Let us notice the following verses,
7 … The purpose of the attack was to prevent Paul from becoming conceited or spiritually proud. Also notice the torment came from Satan.
8 … Three times Paul pleaded with God to have it removed.
Let us now read Jesus’ response to Paul’s request in,
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
[9] “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Let us notice the following verses,
9(a) … Unlike with Peter’s denial, this attack was not to be a temporary condition. Thus, for the rest of his earthly life Paul had to contend with persecutions and afflictions. In this case, God was actually using the evil of Satan to prevent Paul from sinning. Many times this is how God keeps us humble and close to Him.
9(b)-10 … After Paul received God's answer to his prayer he realized that the afflictions were for his eternal good. Thus, not only did Paul stop praying for the removal of his afflictions, but gratefully accepted them.
For some examples of the type of trials or tests Paul had experienced, we go to,
2 Corinthians 11:24-29
[24] From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— [28] besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
It is noted that as it was with the Apostle Peter, so it was with the Apostle Paul. As Peter was a pillar of the Christian faith to the Jewish community, Paul became a pillar of the Christian faith to the Gentiles or the non-Jewish nations.
In addition, fourteen of Apostle Paul’s letters or epistles have been incorporated in the Bible’s New Testament. And, as Peter, he (Paul) also inherited the promise of eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ
THE APPLICATION FOR US
Perhaps the best way to see the application of Paul’s example for our life is to read the following words from the pen of Peter as recorded in,
1 Peter 4:12-16
[12] Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. [14] If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter
Let us now proceed to the third and last topic or illustration for this study. Specifically, we will use the example of Job to help us understand that one of God’s purposes for His church is that,
THE CURCH IS TO BE A WITNESS TO THE HEAVENLY HOSTS
As we study the Scriptures we find that one of the purposes of the church is far more reaching than to those dwelling upon this earth. What we discover is that, through His church, God's Wisdom and Glory is also being made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. To see this, we begin by reading the explanation Paul gave for his apostleship and the purpose for the church,
Ephesians 3:8-9
[8] To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
Let us notice the following verse,
9 … To read about the mystery that has been reveal to us, the born-again believer in Jesus Christ, we go to,
Colossians 1:25-27
[25] … I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, [26] the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. [27] To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
To see the church’s role in all this we go to,
Ephesians 3:10-11
[10] to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, [11] according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Thus, it is God's intent that through His church His unfathomable Wisdom and Glory for extending His Grace and Mercy to save mankind will be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms!
The question is; "How is the church to do this?” To find out we go to,
THE EXAMPLE OF JOB
We begin by reading from,
Job 1:6-12
[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. [7] And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” [8] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” [9] So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? [10] Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. [11] But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” [12] And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Let us notice the following verses,
6 … In this Scripture, God gave us the privilege to read about a conversation He once had with Satan and the Heavenly hosts.
8 … Like a proud parent, God bragged about Job. He told Satan that there is no one like him on earth. In fact, God said Job was blameless and upright. He also said Job feared and respected God and avoided evil things.
9-10 … Satan replied to God by saying in effect; “Yes, Job does love and does respect You. Why shouldn’t He? You (God) have protected Him from harm and have increased his possessions.
11 ... Satan told God that if He would take away Job’s possessions and allow affliction to come upon him, then Job will surely turn against Him. In effect, Satan was saying to God that the only reason Job loved Him and remained faithful to Him was because God had blessed him.
12 … To show Job’s true love, devotion and faithfulness, God permitted Satan to assault Job. In other words, Job was to bear witness to Satan and the Heavenly hosts of God’s Wisdom in choosing him to protect and bless.
As we read the account of Job we find that Satan inflicted upon him terrible afflictions, sicknesses and horrors. However, in all of his misery, Job never once cursed God or charged Him with any wrong doing. In fact, through it all, Job’s faith, love and trust in God remained steadfast. To see this, let us first consider what Job said after Satan’s first assault of terror.
Job 1:20-22
[20] Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. [21] And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
[22] In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
After Satan’s second wave of terror, Job’s wife questioned Job as to why he continued to maintain his integrity. Job’s response to her is in,
Job 2:9-10
[9] Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” [10] But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Let us notice the following verses,
9 … With all the misery that had come upon Job and his household, his wife questioned Job’s faith and suggested he should give up and curse God for their misery.
10 … Job’s unconditional love and devotion to God was clearly bearing witness to the heavenly rulers and authorities of God’s manifold wisdom in choosing him for salvation. Job also demonstrated to us that while we are here upon this earth, our love and desires should be focused upon our God.
This now brings us to,
THE APPLICATION FOR US AND THE CHURCH
In reflecting upon the above incident, we realize it is through this type of faith, love and devotion that we too will honor and glorify God. In effect we, as Job, will bear witness to all the Heavenly hosts of God’s Wisdom in choosing us for His salvation. To see this, let us read the attitude of the apostles after they were beaten for presenting the Gospel in Jerusalem,
Acts 5:41
[41] So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
With Job and the apostles in mind, we now read the kind of love and devotion we, the born-again believers, are to have for God in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:35-39
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
[37] Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us notice the following verse,
39 … This type of love not only describes the love God the Father has for us in Christ Jesus; but it also describes the love we, who are in Christ Jesus, should have for God the Father.
Blessed the Lord forever,
Amen and Amen