Scripture Union Daily Guide 29th March 2021, Monday Message
Topic: Peter Denies the Master
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Opening Prayer: As I read your word O Lord, grant me an insight and grace to do your will in Jesus name.
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69-75
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • Is there any warning for me to heed?
That Peter followed Jesus even at a distance and sat with the servants to see how things would unfold shows how determined he was to remain loyal to His Master. But determination alone is not enough. The confrontation of the servant girl was an opportunity for him to show his zeal and loyalty, but his outright denials (thrice), show the weakness of human effort in the face of personal danger (vs.58, 69–71).
We may not have done any better. It will be needful to trace the remote and immediate causes of Peter’s denial of Christ. First, Satan demanded to sift him as wheat (Luke 22:31); secondly, he was self-confident and, or arrogant (vs. 33, 35; Luke 22: 33; thirdly, he slept where he was to pray in spite Jesus’ warning against prayerlessness (vs. 38, 40 – 41, 45); fourthly, he followed from a distance (v58); sixthly, he was outside the courtyard warming himself in the fire lit there (v.69a cf. Luke 22: 55 and lastly, though this was not clearly written, but it is certain that fear of death would have made him to deny his Master with oath, cursing and swearing (vs. 69b – 74).
Do we also deny Jesus today? Why? Fear is a main reason for denying Jesus. We are afraid of dying, losing our jobs, our rights and privileges or being branded as anti-social, etc. Notice, however, Peter’s immediate response when the cock crowed (v.75). Whenever we fail our Lord, the ‘cock’ of our conscience also crows in our hearts. When that happens, what do we do? Do we remember the words of Jesus?
Are we sober and do we promptly repent like Peter? When last did you shed tears before God for your sinful and wrong behaviour? Read 2 Cor. 7: 10. In Mark 16:7, the angel at the tomb told the women to tell Christ’s disciples “and Peter” that he would meet them in Galilee. What a compassionate Lord? We are assured of His love and forgiveness even when we make the mistake of denying Him, provided we repent.
Practice/Word Application
• And so: Our Father is willing to forgive and restore us if we truly repent (1 John 2:9). Thank Him for this.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for those you know that have denied the Lord for divine restoration. • Praise Him for His love in keeping our families together in unity, and in meeting our spiritual and material needs.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Prov. 16-18; Titus 3
Scripture Union Daily Guide 29th March 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
