THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:69-75
“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken…” (Matthew 26:74)
Boastful Peter – who claimed he would never deny Jesus – curses himself if he is lying.
Ouch, can you imagine if God held him to his words, and actually cursed him for his lie?
Can you imagine if God actually took us at our promise to love and serve Jesus?
Peter remembers Jesus’s words and is broken with grief.
Jesus was not condemning Peter, but acknowledging his weakness and need for Him.
He also promised to pray for Peter, and that Peter would live to see a new day (Luke 22:31-32).
Even Jesus’ words to Judas were grace filled, “Friend, do what you came to do.” (Matthew 26:50)
To the very end, Jesus is gracious and offers forgiveness and hope for those who resist Him.
I am not one to judge Peter… in fact Peter inspires me with hope.
If Jesus can use Peter’s weak faith to build His church (Matthew 16:16-18), He can use me.
Jesus knows my weakness, He does not reject me even though He knows I will reject Him.
The many times I have professed my faith, and the many times I have gone against my faith.
I am no longer boastful in my faith, I realize painfully how weak my professions are.
But I remember Jesus’ words, and though I weep for my weakness, I am hopeful in His grace.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You know me. You hear my boasting, and You know my stumbling. Yet I am still Your friend. May my lapses bring me conviction with hope, confident that You will restore me again.
Where do I turn in times of trouble?
It was only Peter and his courage who followed the Lord. John was at Golgatha. Yet when we are overconfident in our own strength . . . our strength must be in the Lord. Yet when we meet temptation and failures, where do I turn? I must return from my lost ways to Jesus and find restoration in Him – His grace is sufficient.
Christ willingly died for me – for my sins.
Help me each day anew Lord that I walk in Your SonShine, being strengthened and empowered to live for Jesus.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.