By Scott Brown
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Waverly
Focal Passage: Luke 22:54-62
This is the story of Peter’s thrice denial of Jesus. After proudly declaring he would be willing to die for Jesus, and after even attempting murder for Him, Peter would defiantly deny that he even knew Jesus.
It is almost funny how fast fear can shift our priorities when we let it in. In all fairness, it probably was not just fear that motivated this denial. Peter was a Jewish man living under the rule of Rome. Many had begun to look for a Messiah who would rescue them from Rome and establish a supreme Jewish state. This was the kingdom so many longed for.
Considering the type of cultural Messiah for which so many were searching, Peter would have likely somewhat considered the betrayal by Judas as a moment for Jesus to show His power, the moment of action when they would begin a war against those Peter considered sworn enemies.
He had a sword and he was ready to use it in the name of this Messiah. When Jesus allowed His own arrest, Peter must have felt confused and powerless. After everything, the religious leaders had won, their movement was defeated, the kingdom for which Peter so longed was thwarted. [Read more…]