How do you guard your heart and life? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres shared a message about Jesus’ face to face encounter with Peter on the night before his crucifixion, and a question from Pastor Tim Dilena that has served as a challenge for decades.
Matthew 26:31-33
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
Every Gospel records this unflattering story of Peter’s boast and denial on the night of Jesus’ trial. Not only does this authenticate the historical nature of the Gospels, but it also illuminates some important truths.
1) "It is written" beats my opinion.
Peter was sincere in his belief in himself. The other disciples said the same, but "it is written" always beats the majority opinion. God’s Word is the standard for truth, not our sincerity.
Isaiah 55:11
My word that goes out from my mouth:
Will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We can choose to disagree with the Bible, to be offended by it, to vilify it, to call it irrelevant and dismiss it, but we cannot undo it.
2) My failures cost more than me.
Jesus knew that when a leader fails, others are impacted. If you strike the shepherd, sheep will scatter. Your life in Christ is not personal, it is public, and your example matters.
3) Self-confidence can be self-deception.
Peter underestimated his own weakness and dependence on God’s help. A humble attitude keeps us grounded in an awareness of our need for God’s grace to obey Him.
4) Prayer is the antidote to temptation.
Jesus tells his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Prayerlessness is pride because it ignores our daily need for help from the Holy Spirit to serve God.
5) Sin gets easier with repetition.
When confronted at Jesus’ trial, Peter begins by simply claiming ignorance, but as he is challenged again, he adds an oath and finally, cursing. Sin always gets easier with repetition. When the rooster crows, Peter leaves in sorrow and shame.
The next day, Jesus is tortured and forced to carry his cross, and the Bible says soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross for Jesus. Over twenty years ago, Pastor Tim Dilena asked the question, “Where is the other Simon?” Where was Simon Peter when Jesus needed help carrying his cross?
God raises Jesus from the dead, and Jesus beautifully forgives and restores Peter. But Peter’s failure still serves as a warning to us. When we guard our hearts and lives, we keep ourselves available for God to use at the most pivotal moments of his plan for our generation!
