Peter said it, and we said it; common guilt in disowing the king

Rev. Enoch Thompson | September 13, 2023 | Matthew 26:31-35

KEY VERSE:

But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Do you remember growing up in a family or household of many children, and something mischievous gets done, and one person is held guilty and punished? Maybe in our grown-up state, we can see how so much evil is done and a few persons are arrested, sometimes selectively to make an impression or score political points. Such is the reflection in today’s focal text.

How many times have we not read or heard talk about how Peter denied the Lord in His most vulnerable moments, in spite of his bold assertions and commitments never to abandon the Lord, and to be even ready to lay down his life if need be? The startling fact of the matter is that it was not Peter alone who made those declarations. The testimony of the Scripture is that “all the other disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:35).

As present-day disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Christian commitment is an unspoken declaration to walk with the Lord, be faithful to Him, follow His teachings, and please Him, even ready to die standing for Him, if need be. We are like Peter, and the rest of the early discipleship band, and though our vows may not be in so many words as theirs, what Peter said, the others said, and we also say in our own ways in our own time.

Do we have a right to talk about Peter’s failure without acknowledging that the other disciples vowed and failed like him? Do we point at the disciple team then and refuse to acknowledge that where Peter failed, and they all failed we failed too? The admonishment is good, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

The Lord Jesus Christ, His Kingdom and His teaching is under serious attack in our time, maybe now more than ever. What do we say to these threats? Are we ready to stand with Him and for Him, and to say as our predecessors said, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."

PRAYER:

Lord, I am sorry for the times I have disowned you. Despite my commitment and determination, I’m sometimes unable to keep to my word to follow you fully. Grant me the grace it takes to stay true and faithful to you at all times and in all circumstances. May I learn to die daily for the One who loved me and died for me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

_____________________________ DAILY word study: DISOWN

The word "disown" in Matthew 26:35 is translated from the Greek word "ἀπαρνέομαι" (aparneomai). This Greek verb means to "deny," "disown," or "renounce." It carries the idea of publicly and emphatically rejecting or disavowing someone or something.

The word "disown" in this context highlights the complexity of human faith and the frailty of human resolve, even among those who are deeply committed to Jesus. Peter's declaration reflects his sincere intention to remain loyal to Jesus, but it also foreshadows the inner turmoil and fear he will experience when confronted with the reality of Jesus' arrest.

This verse invites us to reflect on the nature of our own commitment to Christ. Like Peter, we may have moments of deep devotion and determination in our faith, but we are also susceptible to moments of weakness and doubt. It reminds us of the need for humility and dependence on God's grace in our journey of faith.

Reflections: How do you navigate the tension between moments of strong commitment to your faith and moments of doubt or weakness? How can you draw closer to God and rely on His strength during times of testing or trial in your faith journey?