READ: Matthew 26:31-35, 55-56, 69-75
The season of Lent could be described as a yearly journey to the cross for disciples of Jesus. In this series, we are studying the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 26-27, which describe the account of Jesus’ journey to the cross. By meditating on this journey, we hope to better grasp the words of Jesus for us: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt. 16:24).
The journey to the cross was as crucial for his disciples as for Jesus. Their responses boil down to two kinds: betrayal and denial, which reveals much about them and about us. We have seen betrayal at the hands of Judas and now look at denial by the other disciples, especially Peter, who even promised he would never deny Jesus. Though Peter’s denial is shocking and even gut-wrenching, it reminds us of our own denial and how Jesus responds to us.
1. Peter’s Denial
Throughout the gospel of Matthew, Peter is portrayed as the clear leader of the group of Jesus’ disciples. Of them all, we get the clearest picture of his personality: a bit brash, impulsive, self-confident, sometimes prideful, but very committed. His conversation with Jesus in this passage is very true to his form. Though Jesus says all of them will fall away, Peter says, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you” (v.35). Peter thought, like many of us often do, that he was the one exception to the infallible words of Jesus. We see that Peter was later given three chances to affirm his connection to Jesus, and each time his denial got stronger, he moved further away and even denied knowing Jesus at all. This denial isn't just a historical recount; it's placed in the narrative of every Gospel writer to illustrate that even the most committed can fall and that such failures are within God's redemptive plan. In an age where everyone tries to cover up their sin and failure, the honesty of Peter’s denial provides clear evidence to the skeptic and true hope for every Christian.
2. Our Denial
Peter is the representative disciple of the twelve, and the twelve represent all disciples of Jesus. What we are shown in Peter’s denial and their denial is, in the words of one commentator, “a bright mirror of our weakness.” Peter’s denial is a mirror of the denial at work in every human heart. We are meant to feel the shock and outrage. Peter witnessed thousands fed with only a few loaves and fish, the blind given sight, critics silenced, and even the voice of God in the transfiguration. How could he deny what could not be denied? Then we take a hard look in the mirror. The Bible teaches that all sin, at its root, is a denial of what cannot be denied. We might think of sin as merely breaking the law of God, missing the mark, or not following God’s wisdom in our lives. But it is much more than that. Sin is breaking our relationship with God by denial (Rom 1:18-20). It is the “I don’t know you” and the “You are not my God.” What comes with it is spiritual distancing akin to Peter's physical and emotional distancing from Jesus.
3. Jesus’ Response
In contrast to the denial by Peter and the disciples, Jesus' response is one of unwavering commitment. Even before their denial, Jesus tells them that he will go ahead of them to Galilee after his resurrection, symbolizing that their denial is not the end of their relationship with him (v.32). Against the backdrop of Peter’s denial, the disciple’s denial, we can see the cross for what it is: affirmation, the very opposite of denial. The cross is the ultimate affirmation of God's love, grace, and mercy so that whatever you have done, you don’t have to hide in shame and guilt. According to Calvin, “Jesus is not simply saying he will rise again but declares that He will be their Leader and will take them up again as companions as if they had never swerved from their allegiance to him”.
What happened to Peter may have been the best thing that ever happened to him. As one author said, “An unbroken Peter would have been an unbearable Peter.” It can be the same for you and me. What we see as our greatest failure, troubling weakness, or denial that disqualifies us is not the end of the story. As the prophecy of Zechariah reminds us, God is the one who struck the shepherd in the place of those who deserved to be struck. In the face of those who denied and deserted him, Jesus doesn’t strike back; he was struck in our place. Even more true than our denial is his affirmation that “When I have risen, I will go ahead of you.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
In what ways can you relate to Peter’s impulsive nature and self-confidence? How can these traits both help and hinder our faith in God?
How is Peter’s denial a “bright mirror” of the denial at work in every human heart? How is this denial similar/different between believers and unbelievers? What does Peter’s denial teach us about ourselves, especially in times of fear and uncertainty?
Are there specific situations in which you have denied Jesus or have been tempted to deny him through your actions or inaction? What led to that denial, and what have you learned by reflecting on it?
What is the relation between denying God and distancing yourself from Him? How does God’s affirmation in the cross confront your denial and distancing?
How can we hold onto the truth of Jesus’ promise to go ahead of us and meet us, even after we have failed or denied him? How do we begin to see his response to our denial as an invitation rather than condemnation? What difference does that make for the future?
Meditate on the words of the hymn: Depth of Mercy by Charles Wesley. What verses resonate with you and why?
Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear?
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?I have long withstood His grace:
Long provoked Him to His face;
Would not hearken to His calls;
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
Oft profaned His hallowed name,
Put Him to an open shame.There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands:
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps, but loves me still!Now incline me to repent!
Let me now my fall lament!
Now my foul revolt deplore!
Weep, believe, and sin no more.