Jesus And Peter Series

Tradition says that persecution of the first Christians in Jerusalem led Peter to Rome, where he spread the gospel to the fledgling church there. Legend has it that the Romans were going to crucify Peter, but he told them he was not worthy to be executed in the same manner as Jesus, so he was crucified upside down. The Roman Catholic Church claims Peter as its first pope. (From http://christianity.about.com/od/newtestamentpeople/a/JZ-Peter-The-Apostle.htm).

Quote from Avada: Life Lessons from Peter the Apostle: When we forget that God is in control, we overstep our limited authority. God works through us in spite of our human frailties. No offense is too great to be forgiven by God. We can accomplish great things when we put our faith in God instead of ourselves.

One time Jesus told Peter he would not have to go to Jerusalem and die for the Kingdom and Jesus responds back to him “Get behind me Satan!” wow that is straight talk from Jesus to Peter saying the devil is speaking through you! He adds, “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” See Mark 8:31-38.

But you have to keep in mind that The Gospel of Mark is written by John Mark as Peter tells him his eye witness account of being with Jesus. He reveals in this Gospel his own shortcomings and he is open and honest about his many mistakes. He lets us all know why he finished strong for the Lord in the end.

T.S. - Jesus had a straight talk with Peter in our text today and was direct and honest with him. He informed him that he would deny Him when the pressure came.

I. Jesus said, “This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

a. Peter said even if “I have to die I will not abandon you!” His heart is willing but his flesh is weak!

i. The story unfolds that night highlighting the events of the night in question and reveals that Jesus was right in what He said to Peter.

1. Peter is adamant that he will never leave Jesus or abandon him. Jesus hit’s him back with a straight talk – yes you will!

a. We learn by the end of our section of Scripture that Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed and in verse 75 we see that he went outside and wept bitterly for denying Jesus.

i. But you think - He was so convinced that he would never do this. What happened?

ii. This week I watched the videos of fallen preachers and ministers over the years – it was tragic to watch – very eye opening – I noticed how the world gloated at their failure.

1. I saw their brokenness like Peter’s – they too thought I will never deny Jesus – yet they sinned – they made mistakes and they paid the cost.

a. National news – “Sinners – failures – hypocrites!”

iii. I also noticed how they like Peter started out saying the same thing that Peter said !

1. I will never abandon Jesus

2. I will not fall into sin.

3. I will stay holy.

4. I will not dishonor Jesus.