Peter's Denial Series

I. Introduction

A. Last week we discussed in some detail Simon Peter’s denial of Christ

1. But as I said last week, it was simply a factual look at the four gospel’s account of the denial

a. In each of the gospels there were a couple of things we examined

(1) First was the several accounts of Jesus’ prophecy concerning Peter’s going to deny Christ three times before the cock crowed

(2) Now, each gospel recorded the prophecy in a little different way

(a) The differences can be attributed to what the author wished to emphasize in his account

2. First is Matthew 26:34-35

a. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed

Matthew 26:34-35 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." {35} Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And so said all the disciples.

3. Second is in Mark 14:29-31

a. We noted a little change here in Mark

Mark 14:29-31 (NKJV)

Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." {30} Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." {31} But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise.

b. Peter denied that he would deny Christ even with great passion

c. Note also that Mark records Jesus words, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times

4. Third Luke 22:31-34

Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV)

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. {32} "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." {33} But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." {34} Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."

a. This is the only version of the story that records Satan’s desire to sift Peter

5. Fourth, John 13:36-38

a. There is a little more in this John passage

John 13:36-38 (NKJV)

Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." {37} Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake." {38} Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

B. All this could have happened in a single conversation

1. Each author picking up what he needed to teach his lesson to his particular audience

2. However, there are several points to observe in these passages

a. One Jesus predicted Peter’s denial

b. Jesus even revealed that Satan wanted to tempt Peter

c. Upon hearing Jesus prophecy, Peter vehemently denied that he would deny Christ

(1) Turn to Luke 22:32

d. Now in the Luke passage Jesus also makes another prediction concerning Peter’s faith

Luke 22:32 (NKJV)

But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren

(1) Jesus says, I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail

(a) Turn to Romans 8:34

3. Jesus made intercession for Peter

a. He also makes intercession for us

Romans 8:34 (NKJV)

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

(1) Jesus is working to keep you and me close to God

(2) What did Jesus tell Peter?

b. Jesus says, “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail;”

c. “And when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren”

(1) Notice that Jesus says, “WHEN you have returned to Me”

(2) Jesus says this with reservation, “WHEN” you have returned

(a) Not if you return, but when

(3) “When you return to Me, strengthen your brethren”

(a) Turn to Acts 5:29

(b) This Peter did after the resurrection

(c) Peter became the leader of the apostles and disciples in the beginning

Acts 5:29 (NKJV)

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

(d) It was Peter who lead the apostles in defiance of the Sanhedren