Peter's Denial- John 18:15-27
Peter's CV
Fickle
John 13:37 - heroic declaration to Christ John 18:10 - heroic defence of Christ John 18: 17 - horrific denial of Christ
Peter, like every other human in history save Christ, has a fickle heart.
You and I have a fickle heart too.
Recognise the natural state of your heart, and don't
trust it!
Arrogant
John 13:38 - Jesus warns Peter
What was Peter's response to Jesus' words?
How do we respond to the warnings of Christ
-
like the captain of the
Titanic?
Remember God's words (including His warnings) to us, wielding them powerfully in the war against sin.
Foolish
John 18:17: Little pressure, weak denial
Matthew 26:72: Pressure grows, denial on oath
Matthew 26:74: Pressure grows (relative of Malchus!), denial with curses and swearing!
After John 18:17, is John 18:18 wise?
'Lead us no into temptation' - Only a fool would deliberately walk over a mine. Peter's a fool here.
Peter succumbs to the murderous, ensnaring, downward spiral of sin.
Employ your spiritual radar, detecting and destroying sin.
Realisation
John 18:27 cf Matthew 26:75 cf Luke 22:61 - The cock would have crowed for 3-5 minutes - Peter weeps bitterly.