Good News Regarding Failure. (Luke 22: 54-62)
Before looking into today’s passage, let's acknowledge the universal experience of encountering bad news.
Now sometimes it can just be bad news about a practical matter like something has broken at home that is going to need replaced unexpectantly, like a car or a TV or a cooker.
That can be frustrating inconvenience that costs time, money, and maybe a little peace of mind for a short while.
Next level up from that is probably something like failing an exam or losing a job brings that can bring about a wave of negative emotions with seemingly no silver lining at the moment it happens.
However, spiritual failures also occur. People stumble and fall in their faith also, which may initially appear as entirely bad news with no positive side effects.
Well I'm about to illustrate, I hope, that there can be good news even in the midst of spiritual failure.
So, let's turn our attention to a particular story in Luke chapter 24, where we'll discover the unexpected goodnews intertwined with personal spiritual failure.
Welcome to TBPDP
Let's begin reading from verse 54.
Peter Disowns Jesus.
54: Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55: And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56: A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57: But Peter denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58: A little later someone else saw him and said, “You were one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59: About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60: Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61: The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62: And he went outside and wept bitterly.
(Luke 22: 54-62)
It's likely that you're familiar with the story. It's one of the most famous narratives in the New Testament, particularly concerning the life of Peter. Whenever Peter's name is mentioned, his denial of the Lord three times usually follows suit.
What I aim to do today is examine Peter's fall within the context of his entire life and to truly grasp the significance of this event, we need to consider it in relation to Peter's broader journey.
Now, let's jump back into the passage itself. It starts with a straightforward account: Christ was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and taken to the house of the high priest. Interestingly, only Peter is mentioned among the apostles there.
But remember, there were twelve apostles, one of whom was Judas, who betrayed Jesus. That leaves at least nine others who flee the scene leaving only Peter and John behind.
So, credit to Peter for at least sticking around, along with John, who we know did something similar from other gospel accounts. The text tells us that Peter followed, albeit at a distance. Some might interpret this as a sign of weakness, but for me given the circumstances, it seems reasonable.
Next, we find Peter in the courtyard, where a fire has been lit. The Lord is inside the house, while Peter is outside in the cold of what would have been and April night. As they sit around the fire, Peter blends in with the crowd, trying to keep warm like everyone else.
Then, a servant girl notices him sitting by the fire. Luke emphasizes her scrutiny, indicating that she examined him carefully. Despite the darkness, she recognizes him as one of the apostles and points him out, saying, "This man was with him."
Verse 57 tells us he denied him saying I don’t even know him. This is the first of three denials, and he denied him by saying, “Woman I don't know him”, he just denied the first time by simply saying, I don't know the man.
So, let's consider Peter's denial for a moment. Many have noted the stark contrast between Peter's earlier declaration that he would die for Jesus and his subsequent denial’s
Just a short while ago, Peter boldly wielded his sword against the soldiers, displaying courage. Yet, when confronted by a mere servant girl in the courtyard, he crumbles. Why?
Well, there's speculation, but it's likely fear played a significant role. Perhaps he even feared arrest and his own death. Whatever the reason, the fact remains: Peter denied the Lord.
The denial unfolds into two further instances. First, a servant girl identifies Peter as one of Jesus' followers, and Peter denies it. Then, another person makes the same accusation, and Peter denies it again. Finally, a third person confidently asserts that Peter must be one of them because of his Galilean accent.
This time, Peter vehemently denies any association with Jesus, claiming he doesn't know what they're talking about.
Now, let's place this denial within the broader context of Peter's life. Despite his denial, Peter was an exceptional individual. Throughout the Gospels, he emerges as a prominent figure among the disciples. He was their leader, consistently listed as first among them.
Moreover, Peter was the only one we heard make the profound confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Let me tell you how significant that is. This is one of the high points of the gospel record, in that Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ as the son of the living God.
He is clearly functioning at a higher spiritual level at this point above and beyond even the other apostles. He's their leader and he gets it first. Who Jesus really is.
Indeed, Peter's significance among the disciples is undeniable. He was part of Jesus' inner circle, along with James and John, witnessing events like the Transfiguration that only a select few experienced.
This closeness to Jesus distinguishes him as a trusted apostle, with special privileges beyond even the others.
However, despite his elevated position, Peter's denial reveals his fallibility. He didn't just fall once but three times in a short span.
This raises questions: Why didn't he leave after the first denial? Why did he remain in a place where he would be tempted again? It's a puzzling aspect of Peter's actions, but one that many can relate to.
How often have you knowingly remained in situations where you really shouldn't have?
So, did Peter truly love the Lord? Was he a man of faith? The truth is I believe that even faithful followers can still falter. Peter's failure to heed the Lord's warnings and to pray left him vulnerable to temptation.
Moreover, Satan's influence cannot be discounted. Jesus himself acknowledged Satan's desire to test Peter. Yet, ultimately, it was Peter's choice to deny Jesus.
The world, the flesh, and the devil all play a role in Peter's denial here.
Satan worked through the world, using people to apply pressure on Peter. But Peter's denial wasn't solely the work of external forces; it was also a failure of his own resolve. It's a sobering reminder of the constant battle believers face against these sorts of adversaries.
So, thinking on Peter's denial here we must surely also remember our own vulnerabilities to temptation and the importance of remaining vigilant in our faith.
Indeed, Peter's fall serves as a stark reminder that even famous followers of Christ, even Christian leaders can falter.
Despite his prominent position among the disciples, Peter succumbed to temptation.
This truth resonates across all walks of life: leaders fall, famous figures fall, and followers fall. It's a universal reality encapsulated in Peter's vivid demonstration of human frailty.
Following his denials, in that instant, Peter remembered the Lord's warning about his denial. It wasn't just the crowing of the rooster that triggered Peter's memory; it was remembering the tender gaze of Jesus when he warned him about this just a few verses back.
There's something profoundly impactful about a loving look that communicates volumes without a single word spoken. It's reminds me of my mother's gaze that could convey disappointment or approval with just a glance, far more telling that any being shouted at or told of.
In that moment, I suggest that Peter recognized the gravity of his actions and the weight of his denial.
This interaction between Jesus and Peter underscores the depth of their relationship and the power sometimes of saying nothing. Just withholding praise and a simple look, can often have a profound impact on others.
I’m not talking about being passively aggressive here, but the right look can speak volumes about conveying love, forgiveness and empathy about the human experience of both failure but still signal compassion and redemption at the same time.
So, when Peter does fall, as Jesus foretold, there's a crucial aspect to note; his faith doesn't collapse entirely. Yes, he falters, but his faith remains intact.
This is evident in his eventual repentance and restoration. Despite his denial, Peter's core belief in Jesus hold fast.
This aspect of Peter's story highlights a fundamental truth: God's forgiveness extends even to our moments of failure. That’s really important because Peter's story illustrates that failure isn't the end of the road for us.
It's an opportunity for growth, redemption, and strengthening.
Now, let's fast forward to a pivotal moment after Peter's denial. In John Chapter 21.
Jesus reinstates Peter.
15: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16: Again, Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17: The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
(John 21: 15-17)
Here, we find Jesus restoring Peter. This encounter is significant because it demonstrates God's grace and forgiveness in action.
After Jesus's resurrection, he appears to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. During this encounter, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Each time, Peter affirms his love for Jesus. This interaction of course mirrors Peter's three denials, offering him the chance to reaffirm his devotion to the Lord.
Through this exchange, Jesus not only forgives Peter but also reinstates him as a leader among the disciples. He entrusts Peter with the responsibility to feed his sheep, symbolizing his restored role in the ministry.
This moment of reconciliation between Jesus and Peter exemplifies God's unwavering love and forgiveness. Despite Peter's failure, Jesus welcomes him back with open arms, reaffirming his purpose and calling.
So, while Peter's denial may have been a low point, it ultimately becomes a testament to God's grace and the transformative power of forgiveness.
It's a reminder that our failures don't define us but rather serve as opportunities for redemption and renewal.
This passage highlights the depth of Jesus's forgiveness and his unwavering faith in Peter's potential. Despite Peter's past shortcomings, Jesus reinstates him with love and grace, emphasizing the importance of love and service in discipleship.
Peter is called to nurture and guide the entire flock, regardless of their spiritual maturity.
This restoration is not merely about forgiveness; it's about reinstating Peter's purpose and calling. And Peter embraces this commission with fervour.
And we will see the fruits of his ministry on the day of Pentecost, where he boldly preaches, leading to the conversion of thousands.
This is just the beginning of Peter's fruitful ministry, as he continues to preach and minister, opening doors for the Gentiles and advancing the kingdom of God.
So, the point is clear: Peter's forgiveness wasn't the end of his story; it was the beginning of a fruitful new ministry. Despite his past failures, Peter was restored, empowered, and commissioned to serve God's people, demonstrating the transformative power of forgiveness and the boundless grace of our Savior.
And in addition to all of that, Peter authored two inspired epistles of the New Testament which Christians still read to this day.
So, to recap, Peter denied the Lord, he fell, he was forgiven, and he ended up fruitful in evangelism and encouraging Christians everywhere and to this day.
Peter is one of the classic illustrations of the "comeback." And he came back in the full power of the Lord.
So, here's the good news about a spiritual fall.
If you return to the Lord, there is always forgiveness and a fruitful ministry awaits you.
Now, let's conclude by discussing an aspect of the story that often gets overlooked.
I believe in this account it is also essential to understand that there are consequences to our actions, and sometimes these consequences are severe.
This is not to condone or excuse falling, but rather to emphasize that after the fall, forgiveness and restoration are possible and that failure is never the end; and it can be a stepping stone to redemption and restoration in the Lord's eyes.
David, Abraham, and many others also stumbled but were ultimately used mightily by God. But let crowing of the rooster in this story serve as a reminder that while failure may be a part of our journey, it's not the end of the road.
With repentance and a return to the Lord, forgiveness and restoration and a new day, allowing us to continue serving Him with renewed purpose and vigor.
Remember Jonah? He was quite the rebellious character. God told him to go north, but he headed south. When instructed to go east, he went west. Yet, despite his defiance, the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, and God used him to convert an entire city.
Let's not forget Samson either. Despite his flaws, including his womanizing tendencies, God used him to accomplish mighty feats, even in his final act of life.
These examples serve as powerful reminders that failure is not the end. It's not final, nor is it fatal, as long as we humble ourselves before God.
Reflecting on the Old Testament heroes, we see their imperfections: Abraham's cowardice, Jacob's deceitfulness, Joseph's arrogance, Moses' impatience, Gideon's cowardice, and so on.
It's humbling to realize that these flawed individuals were chosen by God to carry out His work. If God could use them despite their shortcomings, then He can surely use someone like you and me, inadequate and often lacking in faith sometimes, yet still he wants to use us.
This realization should humble us and remind us not to place limits on what God can do through us or also the most unlikely people in the most unlikely circumstances.
But my final question is, why the rooster?
The rooster reminded him that he failed but at the same time it reminded him that he was going to have a new day of being forgiven and restored.
Because the Lord says here, you may go through it and you might even fall and fail, but if you do, when you return to me remember that cock crowing should remind you failure is not final.
There is always a new day in the life of faith and service of the Lord.