Matthew 26 part 2

Read Matthew 26:31-35 and :69-75 again. Jesus’s love of Peter is so wonderful to me. I just want to spend a little more time with them.

There is a verse in 1 Corinthians 13 that captures what is going on here. It says: FOR NOW WE SEE ONLY A REFLECTION, AS IN A MIRROR, THEN WE SHALL SEE FACE TO FACE. NOW I KNOW IN PART; THEN I SHALL KNOW IN FULL, EVEN AS I AM FULLY KNOWN. 13:12

Peter thought he knew himself, but Jesus knew him even beyond Peter’s own comprehension. I think I know myself, but sometimes I do things that take me by surprise. Can you relate to that?

Peter told Jesus he would stand with him, even if it meant death. I think that was meant to encourage Jesus. He was probably expecting Jesus to say thank you. It must have been bewildering when Jesus responded the way he did.

Jesus fully knew Peter and loved him still. Jesus fully knows you, and still loves you. Let’s be honest, that is amazing love!

And when Peter starts blending in with the crowd, saying Jesus who? I don’t know him, over and over again like Jesus said he would…. Oh beloved, what did that feel like? Think of a time when you disappointed yourself…. Is shame still ruling in your heart or were you able to bring your fall before the LORD in confession and repentance?

Think about the way Jesus loved and did great things through Peter even though this abandonment happened. What if Peter would have stopped there? What if he would have let shame hold him prisoner? We get to see the difference Peter made through the gift of Scriptures. What will your story say about your love for Jesus? Will you trust him and get up when you fall, knowing He still loves you and has great things to accomplish through your surrendered life?