The Essential Jesus (Part 16): The Crucifixion of JesusSample

Courtyard Debacle

PRAY: "Our God, you bless everyone whose sins You forgive and wipe away. You bless them by saying, 'You told me your sins, without trying to hide them, and now I forgive you' (Psalm 32:1-2 CEV).

READ: Matthew 26:69-27:10

REFLECT: When I was in high school I had a good friend who was Jewish. His house contained symbols of his family's active participation in Judaism; sometimes he'd even try to teach me Hebrew phrases. One day he was visiting my house and saw symbols of our family's active participation in the Christian faith and he said, "You think the Messiah has come, but we're still waiting for him." I responded, "Well, that's where our two religions differ," and changed the subject. To this day I regret my response; it felt almost like a denial of Jesus.

But that's why this account of Peter's famous denial always gets to me; I've done it too. I'm particularly sobered by the progression of Peter's failure. His first denial is that of a double agent (Matthew 26:70); perhaps he said it just to stay inside the enemy's camp. Then, in the face of mounting pressure, he denies Jesus with greater emphasis (v. 72); it's becoming easier. When Peter is cornered and forced to declare where he stands with Jesus, he erupts with a final, angry denial (v. 74); he'd been practicing for this moment all night long.

The good news is that Jesus used this courtyard debacle to strengthen Peter's faith and empower him for a new future of productive ministry (John 21:15-19). If we are willing to repent of the ways we deny Jesus and sin against Him, no failure is so great that it can separate us from God or keep us from serving Him (Romans 8:28-39).

Tragically, Judas never understood that. Although he felt deep remorse (Matthew 27:3), he never came to the place of repentance. But the fact is, there was hope for him even at this final hour. Like the thief on the cross, Judas could have called out to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43) and been forgiven. Ironically, there was less hope for the chief priest and elders, whose unbelievable hypocrisy and arrogance (Matthew 27:4-10) sealed their fate.

APPLY: What are some ways you have denied Jesus? What are some ways you could stand up for Him?

PRAY: Ask God to forgive you for any ways you have denied Him, and ask Him for the courage to stand up for Jesus at the next opportunity.