Peter Denies Jesus in the Courtyard

Hello Friends,

I hope you are doing well and have been dodging the recent raindrops. We are one day closer to Spring: warmer temperatures, more sunlight, greater time outside, and above all else Summer vacation! However, preparing for a new season means making a few sacrifices. Are any of you tired today? Early this morning, we “sprang forward” in time, meaning that we lost an hour of sleep. In order to get ready for Spring, we had to experience a time change that has left many people tired: a great sacrifice to enjoy the joy of a new season. Make sure to take a nap today to catch up on some sleep.

Last week, we began a series of messages focused on the objects of Easter that we encounter in scripture as Jesus eats with his disciples, washes their feet, prays in the garden, is put on trial near a courtyard, wears a crown of thorns and a robe, is put on a cross, and is placed in a tomb given to him by Joseph of Arimathea. Easter is filled with objects, not just Easter Eggs, Baskets, and the Easter Bunny; but with objects that remind us of how much Jesus loves us.

Today, we move from the upper room–where we find peace and the presence of Jesus–to the courtyard with Peter where he denies Jesus. Let’s explore the events of the courtyard…

In today’s lesson, we’re going to learn about Peter and a big mistake he made. Peter was one of Jesus’ first disciples. He spent a lot of time traveling with Jesus. He watched him perform miracles and heard him teach amazing lessons to huge crowds of people. It is shared in scripture that Peter is the one who left the boat to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29)—and promptly took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink (verse 30). It was Peter who took Jesus aside to rebuke him for speaking of his death (Matthew 16:22)—and was swiftly corrected by the Lord (verse 23). It was Peter who suggested erecting three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah, and Jesus (Matthew 17:4)—and fell to the ground in fearful silence at God’s glory (verses 5-6). It was Peter who drew his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest (John 18:10)—and was immediately told to sheath his weapon (verse 11). It was Peter who boasted that he would never forsake the Lord, even if everyone else did (Matthew 26:33)—and later denied three times that he even knew Jesus (Mark 14:66-72).

Through all of Peter’s ups and downs, Jesus remained his loving and faithful guide. Jesus reaffirmed Simon as Peter, the “Rock,” in Matthew 16:18-19, promising that he would be instrumental in establishing Jesus’ Church. After his resurrection, Jesus specifically named Peter as one who needed to hear the good news (Mark 16:7). Jesus was one of Peter’s best friends.

But, Peter made a mistake and turned against Jesus. When Jesus was arrested by some mean Jewish leaders, Peter followed to where they took Jesus to find out what was happening. Some people saw Peter hanging around and asked him if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. You would think Peter was proud to say, “Yes, he’s my best friend!” But instead, Peter said he didn’t even know Jesus! You might be wondering why Peter would deny knowing his best friend, well the reason is, he was scared. The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They hated him and Peter was afraid that they would kill him, too. But, the story doesn’t end here. When Jesus rose from the dead, he visited Peter and told him he forgave him for his mistake and gave him a second chance. Peter went on to be one of the key leaders in the early church.

You know, Jesus lived an absolutely perfect life. He never did anything wrong when he lived on the earth or ever. He died and rose again so that we can be forgiven and we can run to God whenever we do something wrong. So I I don’t have to run away or turn my face from him–I can run to him and ask for his forgiveness.

The coolest thing about the life of Peter is that although he did wrong his story did not end there. Jesus found him. After Jesus died and rose again he went back to find Peter. He found Peter on the beach. [Read John 21] Jesus asked Peter three times. “Do you love me?” This must have hurt Peter’s feelings – he really loved Jesus, his friend. Yet he said “yes” each time. Peter said “you know I love you” as Jesus did know that Peter loved his friend. So why did Jesus ask Peter this same question three times?

Jesus asked Peter so that he could show Peter that he was forgiven. He asked Peter so that Peter could stand strong three times, where he once had stood weakly three times and denied him. Jesus restored Peter. That means that he gave him back his place and reminded him of who he really was. Peter was Jesus’ disciple and friend and he was going to help build his church and see many come to know Christ.

Jesus put Peter’s wrongs right and he can also put our wrongs right. He is God and he can forgive everything we have ever thought, said or done wrong. Even when we deny Jesus–get upset with him, don’t agree with him, talk back to him, don’t listen to him–he is still willing to forgive us.

In the courtyard with Peter, we learn the power of Jesus’ forgiveness and are reminded of how much he loves us: he loves us even when we aren’t perfect.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for forgiving us. Thank you for loving us. And thank you for never leaving our side, even when we deny you and do something wrong. Amen.

Your Friend, Holy Spirit!