Easter Character Sermon Series
Luke 22: 54-62
“I Don’t Know the Man!”
(Sermon points from April 20, 2008)
Rev. David R.
Vaughn
Peter’s Denial
The story of Peter’s denial of Christ is
such an important story, that all four Gospel writers included it in their
accounts. It serves as a reminder to us that even the most dedicated and
determined follower can fall or fail.
“Is it I, Lord?”
When Jesus revealed to the
disciples that one of them would betray him, they all began to question Jesus.
But, their question, “Is it I, Lord?” was not really a questioning of their
loyalty or commitment. They really mean, “Surely it can’t be me, Lord!” Peter
was even more adamant. He stated that he was willing to go to prison or to
death for Christ. Even if all the others deserted Jesus, Peter proclaimed that
he would never fall away.
Broken
vows
It was only a few hours later that Peter
found out how empty his promises were. It is not that Peter’s vows were not
sincere. He certainly meant them when he spoke them. But, Peter did not fully
realize the power and darkness of sin that can cause us to stumble and fall.
The eyes of Christ
After Peter denied knowing Jesus for the
third time, the cock crowed. And, from across the courtyard Jesus turned toward
Peter and their eyes met. Peter immediately remembered his vows of
faithfulness, and he went out and wept bitterly.
Although we do not see the face of Jesus
when we fail him, we still feel the same weight of sin and sorrow that Peter
experienced.
“Tell Peter”
Thankfully Peter’s denial is not the end of
the story. It Mark’s account of the resurrection of Christ, the angel told the
women to go tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus had arisen. Jesus wanted
Peter to know that even though Peter had denied him, Jesus still considered him
to be a follower. In I Corinthians 15:5, Paul mentions
that Jesus appeared to Simon before the other disciples saw him that first
Easter evening. So, even though we do not have the narrative of that meeting,
we can be sure it was an appearance that was meant just for Peter.
“I don’t know the man!”
In one sense, Peter didn’t really know
Christ. He did not really know the depth of his love; the magnitude of his
grace, or the fullness of his forgiveness.
Do you know the extent of God’s love for
you?
Pastor
Dave