Denied, DENIED, DENIED

Denied!  In my career in finance, I heard and saw this word many times.  To deny someone in my experience it would have been denial of credit due to any number of reasons.  One can be denied a truth, an answer or even a desire.  In today’s devotion I want to look at a familiar denial – Peter’s denial of Jesus.

There are two reactions to the denial.  We read about Jesus’ telling Peter that he will deny Him in John 13:37-38, “Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I’ll give up my life for you.”  Jesus replied, “Will you give up your life for me?  I assure you that you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.”  (CEB)  I can imagine Peter being surprised by the Lord’s words.  I wonder too, if those words just went right over Peter’s head.  He probably dismissed the statement until the hour that the words of Jesus came out of his own mouth.

We all know the story; Peter did follow Jesus and as Jesus was inside the high priest’s courtyard Peter was questioned about his relationship with Jesus.  His answer, three times, was the denying of any relationship or knowledge of Jesus.  Can you imagine how he felt when the gravity of his answer hit him that final and third time?

 In a different train of thought, what was Jesus feeling knowing that his own disciple had said ‘I do not know him’.  Even though Jesus, being God, knew how Peter would deny Him – this fact must have broken His heart. 

As an imperfect Christian, how many times I have broken His heart?  No, I have not stated that I did not know Jesus, but in word and action I have denied Him.  The language we use, movies we watch, music we listen to, and our behavior can all be denials of Christ to others that are watching us.  To deny something is to declare it is untrue. To deny Jesus is to say with our words, thoughts or actions that we don't really believe the truth of Who Jesus says He is or what He says He’ll do. 

Luke records this event giving the reader a bit more information.  Luke 22:61, just after Peter had finished speaking the third denial we read, “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered the Lord’s words:  “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.”  And Peter went out and cried uncontrollably. (CEB) 

I think the look that passed between them was a compassionate look, one that spoke to Peter of the forgiveness that could be his.  A look that invited Peter to trust and be drawn near to Him once again.  A look that is available to us still today. 

Has your life in some way issued a denial of Jesus to a watching world?  Turn your eyes to the One that will look upon you with the same compassion as He looked at Peter.  Confession and forgiveness go hand in hand.

You may want to use a prayer like this one from proverbs31.org to help set things right.

Dear Lord, You know my every weakness. You see my every failure. Yet You love me still. Thank You. Please forgive me for ever doubting You. Forgive me for denying You. I turn my gaze to You and proclaim today that You are the Christ. The One my soul longs for. The One who suffered, so I wouldn't have to. Give me relief from my unbelief.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.