Peter's Denials Series

Introduction

A. This is an unusual message this morning because it is stickily informational

1. At the end you will have to decide of what use this information is

B. Let us read a few passages from the gospels

1. First is Matthew 26:34-35

2. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus 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.

a. Peter denied the accusation that he would deny Christ

3. Second Mark 14:29-31

4. Notice 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.

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

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

5. Third Luke 22:31-34

6. Look again at what Jesus says

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. Jesus gave Simon the name Peter

b. So why did He say, Simon, Simon?

(1) It seems that when Jesus calls Peter Simon, Simon has done or said something out of human pride

(2) When Jesus calls Simon Peter he had done or said something by the Holy Spirit

7. Fourth, John 13:36-38

8. 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.

9. How should we understand this incident in Jesus and Peter’s life

a. During Peter’s conversation with Jesus he boasted that he would follow Jesus anywhere, to prison or even death

b. But, Jesus says that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crows

(1) In the Mark passage Jesus says before the rooster crows twice

(2) Some have interpreted this to mean that Peter would deny Christ six times

(a) Three times before each crowing of the rooster

i) We will examine each denial to see if Peter denied Jesus three times or six times

10. That Peter would deny Jesus is established fact

a. Three or six difficult to really say, but we shall try

b. The point now is this

(1) Jesus predicted Peter’s denial

(2) Peter vehemently denied this

(a) Saying that he would go to prison

(b) Or even die before denying Christ

i) Lets turn to Matthew 26:58

C. Peter followed the arresting mob

Matthew 26:58 KJV)

But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

1. Notice Just one thing, Peter followed at a distance

2. And he tried to fit in with the rabble as they observed the proceedings

a. Now turn to John 18:15-16

3. Not just Peter followed Jesus

a. A second disciple went along with Peter and he was John

John 18:15-16 KJV)

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. {16} But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.

(1) It seems that Peter the leader of the apostles and John went together during the beginning of their ministry