Peter Denies Knowing Jesus

Luke 22:54–71
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The lead story for the Money section of a recent issue of USA Today is a great example of denial. The long piece chronicled some of the problems facing Japanese bankers. Bad debts for that country’s banks rose 29% in the last fiscal year to $350 billion, and that may be onl … More

Denial

Jesus was given six different “trials” (three before the Jewish religious leaders and three before the Roman authorities) before He was condemned to die on a cross. First He was taken to Annas, who was a retired high priest and a very influential Jew (Jn. 18:12-13). Then He was sent to Caiaphas, his son-in-law, who was the official high priest (vv. 54-65). These Jewish leaders were in a hurry; they wanted to complete the execution before the Sabbath and get on with the Passover celebration. Then at day break (They met at daybreak because it was illegal for them to assemble at night) He was taken before the Sanhedrin and found guilty (vv. 66-71).

Since the Jews did not have the right to declare capital punishment, they had to then take Jesus to the Roman authorities to have Him crucified. It was during the second Jewish “trial” before Caiphas, that Peter denied his Lord three times. After the rooster crowed, Jesus turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the words that Jesus had spoken earlier in the evening (v. 61). When he realized what he had done, he was heart-broken. During this trial Jesus was violently abused, mocked, and ridiculed (vv. 63-65). The only thing they could find against Him was His positive reply to their question as to whether or not He was the Son of God (vv. 70-71). This is certainly strong proof against liberal theologians who say that Jesus never claimed to be God.

Application

I may not deny the Lord like Peter did, but it is easy for me to fail the Lord in other ways. This was not the end for Peter, nor will it be for me if I claim I John 1:9.

Luke 22:54-71 (English Standard Version)

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