As the famous hymn says: “I heard an old, old story..“.
You’ve most likely heard how Peter denies Christ from the Easter story.
So, we’ll take a look and see if there’s a lesson for us here.
In this study lesson from the Book of Mark Jesus tells Peter he will deny Christ three times.
Of course, Peter objects and says it’s not true.
But, we know it will come to pass just as Jesus said.
Let’s study the unfolding of the Easter story in these Scripture passages.
Mark 14:27-31 – Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
“And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.’
But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.”
And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.”
But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And they all were saying the same thing also.” – Mark 14:27-31 NASB
Christ Predicts Peter’s Denial
Even though Jesus’ prediction of the disciples “falling away” came true, everything was going exactly as God had planned.
When Christ later prays in the Garden of Gethesmane, He knows exactly what is about to happen.
So, why shouldn’t He know about Peter and the rest of His disciples?
But, in all fairness to the disciples, we know the rest of the story – they didn’t!
When Bad Things Happen
We sometimes wonder why certain events happen in our lives. And, we become depressed when someone we love has to be hurt, jailed, or even die for seemingly no reason.
Truth is, it’s not very difficult to make promises such as the one Peter made to Jesus.
But, Peter made this promise before the time came for him to be put to the test.
If I am to be absolutely honest, I hope that my faith is strong enough to profess Christ even during dire circumstances.
Sadly, like Peter, I am not positive that I would not buckle under the pressure – many do.
Let’s go through a scenario …
A group of anti-Christian extremists comes into your place of business or into your home with assault weapons.
They ask one of your friends if she is a Christian.
She says “yes” and is shot through the head on the spot.
Next, they ask if you are a Christian!
- What would you do?
- What would I do?
Most of us will not have to go through this type of persecution.
So, we do not have an honest answer to that question.
But, as I write this post, there are thousands of Christians all around the world facing this very possibility every day.
The Nigerian Christian Atrocity
Just before writing today, I received an email for the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice) informing of the horrendous killings of innocent Christians in Nigeria.
Just so you understand what’s going on, I included this excerpt from their letter..
“Christians in Nigeria live in a constant state of terror, fearing abduction, torture, and murder by radical Islamic jihadists.
Boko Haram, the jihadist army and Nigerian arm of ISIS, has slaughtered innocent Christians. It burns down Christian churches.
One survivor stated, “I saw bodies in the street. Children and women, some were crying for help.”
It even poses as preachers to slaughter Christian congregants.
Other jihadist groups, like the Fulani Herdsmen, are increasing this barbaric persecution of Christians in Nigeria, slaughtering thousands.”
This is not 2,000 years ago — this is now!
Please pray for persecuted Christians around the world. And, to sign the petitions or help in other ways, you can find the ACLJ website here.
Love in Christ
– Bob
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