John 18 - 3.25.26

Scripture: John 18:26-27

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Observation

Earlier that very night, Peter had assured Jesus that he would follow him, no matter the cost.

John 13:37-38 - Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

Can you imagine the overwhelming sorrow and shame that Peter felt when he heard the rooster crow? Have you felt it? We all have times when the rooster crows, when our sin is brought to our attention and on full display.

We should feel sorrow when we sin - we have grieved God. And it is normal to feel shame. Shame: a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety. But our response to that sorrow and shame matters.

Application

Forgiveness is a concept I have struggled with. Why would God forgive me when I continue to fail? I don’t deserve His forgiveness. I am not worthy. But lately I have come to realize that is the whole point. I don’t deserve forgiveness! If I was worthy or deserving, I wouldn’t need a savior. And yet He freely gives it.

Romans 3:24 - and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Peter messed up badly. He wept and grieved over his sin. But he threw himself at the mercy of Jesus. And in John 21 it says, “Jesus reinstates Peter.” Peter went on to testify to thousands of what Jesus had done.

II Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Godly sorrow brings about change. Worldly sorrow keeps us wallowing in our shame, focused only on ourselves, ineffective for God.

I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

“His power and His love for us are far greater than our sin and shame.This is the good news! This is the gospel.”

Prayer

Thank you for your great and unimaginable love for me. Thank you for reminding me that I can’t earn it and I don’t deserve it and yet you love me anyway. Thank you for not giving up on me. Continue to work on my heart. Amen

- Debbie Dunn