SN - notes from 9/25/10
The crucifixion of Jesus pt. 6 - Profiling Peter
Mark 14:66-72
I. The prelude:
A. The Request of Satan
Luke 22:31
observation 1 - of all the ways the devil could have “sifted” Peter, he focused on attacking his relationship with Jesus.
observation 2 - of all the ways the devil could have attacked Jesus, he focused on His relationship with the Father (worship me and I will give you all these kingdoms).
B. The Prayer of Jesus
Luke 22:32
C. The Grace of Jesus
Luke 22:32
Mark 14:28 - But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.
and
Luke 24:25 - The Lord has indeed risen again an appeared to Simon!
D. The Vow of Peter
Luke 22:33
E. The Prophecy of Jesus
Luke 22:34
II. The Denial Scenario
1 - v54 - Peter followed Him at a distance
observation 1 - in terms of relationship, we should never follow Jesus from a distance, but should walk closely to Him - our relationship with Him is the most important thing.
observation 2 - in terms of repentance - Peter has turned from running away, and returned to following Jesus. ”From a distance” is at least a start, and is better than going in the other direction away from Jesus.
Zec 1:3 - “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:7 - Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the LORD of hosts.
2 - v66 + 67 - Peter warms himself by the enemy’s fire
observation 1 - typically, this is used to show how we are not to find warmth with the enemies of God/world.
BUT
John 17:15 - I do not pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from the evil one.
John 17:18 - As You have sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
Luke 6:27 - But I say to you who hear, love you enemies, do good to those who hate you.
Luk 7:34 - The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Luke 15:7 - I tell you that likewise there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 just persons who need no repentance.
Mt. 22:36-39 - “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
observation 2 - In our modern day context, I can think of no better place for Christians to be than sharing a fire with those who don’t know Jesus - share your hot dogs too :).
observation 3 - our compassion and love for the lost is what provides the best vehicle with which to share the gospel with them -
no love = no effect.
3 - v68 - denial #1
4 - v70 - denial #2
5 - v71 - denial #3 - with collateral damage
observation 1 - he cursed and swore (Mark)
observation 2 - He emphatically lied (Matthew and Luke)
observation 3 - He did both (cursed and lied) in front of Malchus’ relative - the one he had tried to kill in the garden.
observation 4 - so, Peter basically tried to murder the enemy, denied Jesus/lied to the enemy, cursed in front of the enemy, and did all of this in front of people who needed Jesus.
1 Cor. 15:34 - Awake to righteousness and do not sin for some do not have the knowledge of God.
Prov. 25:26 - The righteous man who falters before the wicked is like murky spring or a polluted well.
THE RESULTS
1. Satan succeeded in sifting Peter - his relationship with Jesus (denied x 3), and his relationship with the lost (attempted murder, lying, cursing) were ground to dust.
2. Peter succeeded in blowing it and weeps bitterly. Likely battling horrific condemnation.
3. Jesus restores lovingly. He had called it already! He wasn’t surprised!
John 21
v12 - come and dine = relationship restored
v15-18 -
Do you love me? x 3
Feed my lambs and sheep x 3
Follow me.
= motivation, effectiveness, and purpose restored
observation 1 - notice He didn’t ask if he was sorry, or make him promise not to blow it again, or make him get 1 million accountability partners (not that accountability isn’t important) - His questions focused on Peter’s love for Him.
observation 2 - this is where the devil will always focus his greatest attacks - your love and relationship with Jesus.
Acts 1:15 (to the 120 disciples), Acts 2:14 (to the soon to be converts), and Acts 10:9 (prayer to Jesus) = Peter is relational, restored, and reloaded.
1. be aware that the devil has aggressive and subtle plans to sabotage your relationship with Jesus.
2. be aware of your witness 24/7
3. be aware that Jesus loves you and wants your real (not fake) love too. He died to have it.
