Lifetime Students (d)

This was the very question Peter had to address and answer, not in theory, but in the real world.

Matthew 26:69-75 gives us the question, presented in three different ways, which Peter needed to answer. We often refer to it as Peter’s denial and rightly so because that is what Scripture calls it. Too often we are swift to condemn Peter for his blatant lack of support in Jesus’ greatest hour of need.

We judge quickly without considering our own experience in this classroom called life.

Peter was actually confronted with three statements not questions, but I am restating them here as questions because that’s really what they were. They were questions about Peter’s loyalty as a disciple, something that was highly regarded in the first century.

How will we answer life’s
toughest questions?

The first confrontation came from a servant-girl. Now that’s humiliating! Big, tough Peter is being challenged by a servant and a girl no less: a mere child.

Question 1: “Were you with Jesus the Galilean?”

Peter’s Answer: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Are we even recognizable enough to be asked if we are with Jesus? If we are, how do we answer this question? Do we say we know of Him or that we actually know Him? Are we brave enough to say we are with Him? There is a big difference in those three possible responses.

The second confrontation was also from a servant-girl, but it wasn’t even directed to Peter. Her question was directed to others in the courtyard. Peter felt compelled to answer.

Question 2: “Wasn’t this man with Jesus of Nazareth?”

Peter’s Answer: “I am telling you all, I do not know the man.”

I don’t know why this girl rephrased the question, but it was a chance for Peter to change his answer. He didn’t. In fact, he made sure everyone in that courtyard heard that he did not know Jesus and he sealed it with an oath. We may not think we would ever say we don’t know Jesus, but what are some of the behaviors we have that shout, “I do not know Jesus”?

The third confrontation comes from several bystanders who push for the truth.

Question 3: “Doesn’t the way you talk prove you’re one of them?”

Peter’s Answer: “@X%, I do not know the man!”

Here we see Peter hit his all-time low, reverting back to his previous language habits. Could it be he was trying to prove by his speech that he couldn’t possibly know Jesus? Have we ever been guilty of similar actions? Maybe we’ve laughed at a crude joke or joined in on juicy gossip just so people won’t think we’re a Jesus Freak.

Our theme verses (John 13:34-35) have one exam question. How will men and women (the world) know we are Jesus’ disciples? We’ve determined that a big chunk of that answer is by loving one another. True discipleship living is marked by the love we have for one another and then bravely exhibiting that love to the world. Are we willing to put off lukewarm Christianity and exchange it for an on-fire, dynamic life of a disciple devoted to our Master Teacher?