Bible Study from Matthew 26:69-75
A familiar Bible story but well worth studying again. The Easter story continues with events of Good Friday. On this night, Peter denies Christ three times. It happens just as Jesus predicted it would.
Peter, one of the most headstrong disciples, who would stand by Jesus to the death, denied three times he even knew Him.
Do you and I ever deny knowing Christ?
The Prediction of Christ Comes True
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”
But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”
When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.”
A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.”
Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.
And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.- Matthew 26:69-75
Peter Denied Christ and So Have I – How about You?
What happens when the conversation turns to Jesus?
As a Christian, this sometimes worries me. Peter’s life was in danger. He handled the situation by running away just as many of us would do under the same circumstances.
Three Denials
He denied Christ very softly when first questioned by acting as if he did not understand what the servant girl was talking about.
The second denial was a bit stronger as Peter swore to the girl that he did not know Jesus.
Lastly, he began to use fowl language and strongly stated he did not know Christ at all.
People react in different ways under stress. I have sympathy for Peter. He was gripped with fear and presumed he would die (probably true) if he admitted being a disciple.
So, let’s not condemn Peter just yet.
How do We Deny Christ?
Let’s recap the three stages; mild, moderate and strong denial.
Many times Christians are in a conversation and change the subject when it turns to religion.
They do not want to offend anyone and are afraid. They are not afraid for the sake of their lives as in the case of Peter, but afraid of embarrassment or shame.
Not exactly life threatening, but a fear just the same.
Missed Opportunities
I have found myself in that situation many times where I could have talked about Jesus and His love for me but changed the subject instead to a “less offensive” subject.
Be careful if this happens to you. Just as Peter did, denial can escalate into flat rejection if we are not careful.
Watchers
People are watching what we say and do. If we turn our backs on Jesus what are we portraying to others?
I’m not saying we should use an “in your face” type witnessing technique but at least we can say we are glad we have Jesus in our lives. We are, aren’t we?
Missed opportunities can send people to eternal death. I’m guilty of denying Christ. I pray that God will help me to be a better witness so that others will enjoy the glorious light we sometimes take for granted.
An Easter Opportunity
This time of year is the perfect opportunity to invite people to church. The headlines tell about Easter celebrations everywhere. Invite your friends and family to church on Easter Sunday.
They may not accept. But then again they might.
My pastor always says;
“Don’t say no for them.”
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you have never made the decision to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to learn how.