Jesus Revealed Pt. 17 - Abandoned - Really?Sample

Peter's First Betrayal of Jesus  

Thoughts on the Passage

There is a lot of pressure on us when we are put in situations that are outside our comfort zone. 

Peter is not use to the house of religious leaders – it is intimidating to be in these places. One does not know the things we are suppose to say, what we are not suppose to say, we are often dressed wrongly, we often do not have the right perfume or deodorant, or we are intimidated by what people talk about. The people there are comfortable with what goes on in these places, but we stand out because we do not belong.

Peter does not belong. He is following Jesus as best he can and so he is outside the door. John brings Peter inside, but it is almost worse. Here he can do nothing to help Jesus and he is in this intimidating place where everyone is against Jesus.

A little girl causes Peter to lie.
She asks a simple question and it makes Peter say something that is not true. That happens. It will happen to you as it has happened to me. In a situation where we are full of uncertainty, we say things we would never say otherwise.

How do we respond in such places?
Recognize that we cannot trust our own wisdom in these times and places – God’s Spirit will provide the words for us to say. Peter is not brought before these leaders, but he still needs to rely on the Spirit for the right words. He does not do it. Why? We do not know for sure, but we see the results of someone who does not rely on the Spirit. He denies Jesus.

Application

Think through the situations that we face – is there any that fill you with anxious thoughts about how to respond? Take time right now to ask God for a calm spirit, a heart that listens to the Spirit, and a faith to say what He tells us to say in these times.

Pray for brothers and sisters put in such situations. They need to respond this way as well.

Time to Pray

Father, I start with an understanding that everyone of us will face these situations. Our prayer is to be faithful witnesses and to give a clear testimony of Jesus. Lord, I pray especially for Your children who face this much more frequently and with greater severity that I face. Give them clear wisdom through Your Spirit, and give them Your boldness and peace. I bless them.
Lord we will all face little girls like Peter did. In times of stress and uncertainty, help us. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.