Notes from Sunday, November 9, 2003
by Reverend Karen Cummings
Mark 14:66-72: While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. (NIV)
Who is Peter?
- Born Simon (reed). A fisherman who Jesus called to be one of his disciples. Jesus gave him the last name Peter (rock). Names meant something back then. They described who you are. Peter went from being a reed to a rock.
- Leader amongst the disciples
- Part of the inner circle of disciple
Peter seems like the one who would be voted "Most Likely to Succeed" among the disciples. Yet we find him here in this text, failing Jesus by denying him three times. But Peter's story doesn't end here.
What Happened to Peter After His Failure?
- Peter gets honorable mention. (Mark 16:7)
- John 21:15 -19- Peter is reinstated by Jesus (John 21:15 -19)
Peter was restored. His failure was not fatal!
What Should We Do When We Fail?
- Admit Failure
- Accept Forgiveness
- Advance Forward
It's a New Season, It's a New Day!