Gospel

Denial

by Roland Crim
06/02/17
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In Luke 22, verses 54 through 62, we read the account of the three denials of Christ by Peter.

First off, the three denials contained herein are all verbal. I believe however there was a fourth denial, one that was unspoken. The second half of the initial verse reads “Peter followed at a distance.” Was Peter by his action trying to not signify that He was a follower of Jesus? Why was He not near Christ, testifying on His behalf? I do not mean to pick on Peter. We all have denied Christ at times. If you were arrested and led away to trial, would you not want someone there with you, to defend you?

Next, after Peter’s third denial, we read in the initial part of verse 61 “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” I do not believe Christ’s look was to say to Peter “See, I told you so.” I believe Christ’s look at Peter was a look of love. Even though Peter had just denied the Lord three times, Christ still loved Peter. Peter was the rock upon which Christ would form His church.

Finally, in verse 62 we see “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Peter realized what He had just done, and was overwhelmed with remorse. Remorse will exist within a true Christian. When we have sinned, we feel remorse, and seek to return to our Lord with a repentant heart.

Just as Peter returned from his denials to strengthen his fellow disciples, we too return to Christ when we have erred, asking the Lord’s forgiveness, and returning to the work He has given to us. We are again reunited to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.