Crucifixion: Denial (and Repentance)•
A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. DENYING THE LORD #1
A. QUESTION
1. CIRCUMSTANCES
Mt 26:58 And Peter followed Him at a distance, Jn 18:15-16a and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter remained outside at the gate . . to see the end.
Jn 18:16b The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept watch at the door, to bring Peter in.
2. CONFRONTATION
Mt 26:69 As Peter was sitting at the gate, the maiden approached him and said, Jn 18:17 “Aren’t you one of the disciples with Jesus the Galilean?”
B. ANSWER
1. PETER’S DENIAL
Mt 26:70 But he denied it before everyone, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mk 14:68 And as he walked away, a cock crew.
2. WHAT ABOUT YOU?
II. DENYING THE LORD #2
A. QUESTION
1. CIRCUMSTANCES
Jn 18:18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
2. CONFRONTATION
Mt 26:71 Another [servant] saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
B. ANSWER
1. PETER’S DENIAL
Mt 26:72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I don’t know the man.”
2. WHAT ABOUT YOU?
III. DENYING THE LORD #3
A. QUESTION
1. CIRCUMSTANCES
Jn 18:26a After a while one of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked
2. CONFRONTATION
Jn 18:26a “Didn’t I see you in the garden with Him? Mt 26:73 Certainly you’re one of them, for your accent betrays you.”
B. ANSWER
1. PETER’S DENIAL
Mt 26:74 Then he invoked a curse on himself and swore, “I don’t know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed Mk 14:72a a second time. Lk 22:61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter:
2. WHAT ABOUT YOU?
IV. NO DENYING THE RESULT
A. RESULT FOR PETER
1. CIRCUMSTANCES
Mt 26:75a And Peter remembered the statement Jesus had made: “Before the rooster crows Mk 14:72b twice you will disown me three times.”
2. CONFRONTATION
Mk 14:72b And realizing this, Mt 26:75b he left and wept bitterly.
B. RESULT FOR US TODAY
1. PETER’S PROBLEMS = OUR PROBLEMS
Peter first boasted that “even if everyone falls away, I will never leave You” (Mt 26:33)
Peter then was insubordinate to Jesus, contradicting His Word and saying that “even if I have to die, I will not deny You” (Mt 26:35)
Peter was then prayerless, sleeping when Jesus said to watch and pray (Mt 26:40)
Peter fourthly was self-centered and impulsive, pulling out a sword to attack rather than submit to authority ((Mt 26:51)
Peter’s fifth problem was that he followed at a distance. (Mt 26:52) When we distance ourselves from Jesus, it is hard to make a proper stand for Him at the critical time.
Finally, Peter compromised and sat among them – the ungodly – having forsaken the fellowship of the fleeing disciples. Peter wants to seem just one of this crowd, and not be identified as a follower of Jesus.
Peter denied ever knowing Jesus (Woman, I do not know Him),
Then he denied being a follower of Jesus (Man, I am not)
Finally he denies that he is even from Galilee (Man, I do not know what you are saying!).
2. PETER’S RESULTS = OUR RESULTS
Exodus 34:6-7