Matthew 26:31-75Peter III: Denial 3x
In our study of Peter, one of the things to recognize the difference in him pre-Pentecost and post-Pentecost. From the beginning, Peter is a man of great daring, energy and heart. But his ability to follow Jesus is mixed, moments of great accomplishment and courage and moments of failure when Jesus needed him most. Pre-Pentecost, Peter is potentially a great disciple. Post-Pentecost, he becomes what many consider to be the first pope.
Verses 31-35 describe Jesus’ preparation of the disciples for what is soon to occur. All of them will fall away under the pressure. Peter with great heart and bravado, vows he would never fall away. Jesus tells him that not only will he fall away, but he will also deny that he ever knew Jesus. Peter restates his devotion and all the disciples join him in promising to stay by Jesus’ side.
In verses 36-46, Peter is one of the inner circle of disciples that are invited to go with Jesus to pray before he is arrested. Instead of staying in support, they fall asleep in fatigue. In verses 47-55, we have the description of Jesus’ arrest. The companion who cut of the soldier’s ear in verse 51 is identified as Peter in John 18:10. One of the fun things to notice in John’s gospel is the rivalry between James and John and Peter. In fact, you will notice that Peter, James, John and Judas seemed to be the ones vying for power among the disciples. So maybe power struggles in the church is not a new thing after all.
Peter fulfills Jesus’ prediction of his denial in verses 69-75. Three times he identified as a follower of Jesus and three times he denies it. The rooster crows and Peter realizes what he has just done. Peter’s denial and Judas’ betrayal are the two major failures during the trial of Jesus. Both had enormous personal charisma, ability and power. They were potential greats for the kingdom. One will realize his potential and regrettably, one will not. Beginning tomorrow, we will meet Peter post-Pentecost, when the gifts of the Spirit become fully operative in him. I look forward to studying that with you.
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