Vol. 18 No. 18 | May 2, 2016
John 18 gives the account of Jesus being arrested and put on trial. Even as we read it today, knowing what happens next, it is still a very sad part of the story. As sad as the story itself is, there’s even a sadder story included in John’s version. Simon Peter, and his denial of Jesus is specifically mentioned. Here’s this way it is spelled-out in the New International Version.
Peter’s First Denial
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 servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she 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.
Peter’s Second and Third Denials
25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, 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 garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
How would like to have our name printed in every Bible that has ever been printed?
Tom’s First, Second, and Third Denial
Everyone who ever reads the gospel reads Peter’s name in bold print. Everyone who ever shares the gospel story speaks Peter’s name specifically. It’s a good news bad news scenario: Good News: My name’s in the Bible. Bad News: It’s in there because I denied Jesus three times.
It is sad, but it was would be worse if that was the end of the story, but it is not the end of the story.
John 21 includes the account of the conversation between Jesus and Peter (15-23). The heading for that section in the New International Version is: Jesus Reinstates Peter. It could be: Peter Confesses His Love For Jesus Three Times.
When you follow Peter into the book of Acts you see a courageous, confident, Spirit-filled leader of the new Kingdom movement. He still makes bold statements and is not afraid of going public with the story of Jesus. The heading for the section of Scripture that begins in the middle of Acts 2 is: Peter Addresses the Crowd. It could also read: Peter Leads the Revolution. Or it could read: The Transformed Peter Helps Transform the World.
It does not need to be the end of your story either. Maybe you have denied Jesus one, two, three times, or more. Maybe you are trying to find your way home, but guilt and shame is paralyzing your movements. If that describes you maybe you should do what Peter did. Confess your love and devotion to Jesus. Then, listen to Him as He reminds you that you still have a job to do. He told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” A bit later He said, “You follow me.”
Maybe your task is not to feed the sheep, but you can tell the story. As you follow Him share His story, share your story, make His Kingdom real in your life. Then, follow Him and celebrate God’s good ending.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.