21 Days in the Gospel of John With Levi Lusko Sample

 A Dark Night 

A man named Nathan was trespassing on a coal company’s property in Pennsylvania when he fell into a mine shaft. He ended up falling 500 feet and miraculously survived, though he suffered a number of fractures. It took rescue workers hours to get him out. After taking part in the rescue, one rescue worker said, “I think the universe has bigger plans for Nathan. I hope he realizes that.” Unfortunately, when he got out of the hospital, he faced charges for trespassing.

The reality is, he never should have been there in the first place. The same applies to Peter in this text. Jesus had told the disciples not to follow him, but in Peter’s mind, he was invincible. He exposed himself to temptation that he could never bear.

Peter had told Jesus emphatically that he would die for Him, but this wasn’t even the last time Peter would deny Him. Peter goes on to deny Jesus in verse 25. Some writers have quoted him as saying, “I didn’t even know the guy!” He does the same in verse 27, “...and immediately a rooster crowed.” As soon as that happened, the words of Jesus from just hours before came flooding back to Peter: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” But far worse than hearing the rooster signal was what followed. In that moment, the Bible says that Jesus looked at Peter.

We are told that Peter lost it and “went out and wept bitterly.” But Jesus had been praying for Peter for this very time in his life. Jesus had prayed that when Peter felt condemned, he would be restored and strengthened by his brethren. And that same promise is made to us.

What Satan intended to kill Peter, just like he had Judas, Jesus turned on its head. Peter received forgiveness and became stronger for it, going on to champion the Gospel the world over. Peter was never too far away to be forgiven and neither are we.

Remember: Forgiveness is forever.