Jesus Knew
Luke 22:31-34 New King James Version
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”
34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
Luke 22:54-62 New King James Version
Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly
54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”
57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”
58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.”
But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”
Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Have We Denied Jesus?
As I read these scriptures my heart broke a little. How many times have we been Peter? I know most of us would probably say we would never deny Jesus, but are we sure? Have you ever done anything against His word?
Have you ever known that He was leading you to do something? whether it was speaking to someone or praying for them in a random place. But, you didn’t do it because you were embarrassed. Maybe it was in the middle of a store or maybe you didn’t even know the person.
I ask you, how are those things any different than Peter denying Jesus. I will be honest. Those are examples of things I have done at one time or another. If we were all honest we have done something similar as well.
He Said..
It hurts my heart to know that my actions have denied the One who sacrificed His life for me, but you know what? I look back to when he predicted what Peter would do. He warned Peter the devil was coming for him and what would happen, but do you know what else He said?
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
That scripture makes me want to cry. The Love He has for us! “I have prayed for you,” He said.
We make mistakes. We do stupid things without thinking first and as soon as we realize what we have done, most of us are sorrowful and seek repentance.
If you like Peter, and like me, have made mistakes don’t let them keep you down. Don’t try to hide and sweep them under the rug. Repent. Seek God’s forgiveness and turn away from whatever that mistake was and return to the Lord.
Just like Peter, He has prayed for you and He wants you to come home to Him and go and strengthen your brethren. God has a great work for all of us to do. He has already factored in the mistakes He knows we will make. We have to make the choice to get back up and return to Him.
Read Luke chapter 22
**Lord thank You for praying for me! For knowing my faults and future mistakes and still loving me and wanting me. Your goodness and loving kindness is something I can’t explain but am so grateful for. Help me Lord to be the best servant I can be. In Jesus name I pray, amen.**
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