The Teachings of Jesus

Sermon Ninety-Two

Matthew 26:69-75

(Peter’s denials of Jesus)

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

During the period of history known as the Apostolic Fathers, there are remarkable accounts preserved detailing how Christians responded to the persecution of the Roman Empire. Not long after the destruction of Jerusalem and the end, for all practical purposes, of the nation of Israel as a political entity, the Church emerged as a distinct organization and was no longer considered simply a part of Judaism. This revelation of the Church in their midst drew immediate attention from the Romans due primarily to the fact that Christianity represented a contrary religion. Whereas the average Roman citizen worshiped many gods, this new religion taught the existence of only one supreme God to whom all men owed allegiance. And whereas the emperor of the Empire was considered a deity, this new religion maintained that no man could take on the character of God. Christianity, therefore, represented a significant threat to the stability of the Empire. This realization resulted in sporadic outbreaks of persecution.

Often, the Christian would be charged with atheism because he would not confess that Caesar was god. This, along with other equally ridiculous accusations, were brought against the leaders of the Church, in particular. As noted, many accounts exist of how these men responded to their tormentors when the time came for them to deny Christ or die. And that is precisely what was at stake—their lives. The Romans didn’t believe that incarcerating a Christian was sufficient. Their solution was execution—and sometimes by extremely gruesome means.

During the latter portion of the first century, a man named Polycarp was one of these Apostolic Fathers of the Church. He was a pupil, it is believed, of the apostle John. He, himself, was mentor to the famous Irenaus, one of the leading Fathers in the next generation of churchmen, known as the Post-Apostolic Fathers. Although he wrote on various topics of controversy during the period in which he lived, including problems within churches and instructions regarding opposition to heresies, Polycarp’s most influential act was his martyrdom.

Polycarp was arrested in the year 155 on the charge of being a Christian, and therefore a member of a dangerous cult. It is reported that when the soldiers arrived at his house, Polycarp ordered a servant to prepare a meal for them. In the most gentle and confident terms, Polycarp conversed with his enemies and at no point made any attempt to resist. He was allowed to pray before being escorted out of the home; witnesses later claimed he prayed for two hours and that the substance of his prayer was so moving and convicting that many were converted there on the spot.

Ironically, the captain to whom Polycarp was delivered was named “Herod.” This man, taking note of Polycarp’s advanced age, immediately began trying to persuade Polycarp to make one simple declaration. If the old man would say “Caesar is Lord,” he would be allowed to go free. Refusing to utter such a thing, Polycarp was ushered into a stadium where a large crowd had gathered after hearing that he had been apprehended. Once again, some tried to convince Polycarp to make a simple declaration of loyalty to Caesar as god, but he continued to refuse. Being pressed to recant his Savior, Polycarp finally said this: “For eighty-six years, I have been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How can I now blaspheme my King who saved me?” After being threatened with the unleashing of wild beasts that would tear him apart, Polycarp said: “Call them.” Then he was threatened with fire and he said: “You threaten with fire that burns but for a season. You are ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly.”

After a few more such exchanges, Polycarp was tied to a stake and consumed alive in the flames. Even his most vicious enemies remarked concerning his calm demeanor and his unbreakable loyalty to his Savior. From that point, the martyrdom of this man served to inspire untold numbers who found themselves in similar circumstances, circumstances where they must choose life by denying Christ or suffer certain death by confessing Him as Savior.

Throughout history, the people of God have often faced persecution. More than a few, even at this hour, have been faced with a choice between remaining true to the Savior and being executed, or renouncing Him so that their earthly life might be spared. Some have expected to face such decisions; many others have not and have been caught completely off-guard never having considered what they would do if put in such a situation. Consequently, we have records worthy of imitation, records that inspire, and we have records that are shameful and reveal a weakness of will that led to disaster.

Today, we come to the darkest hour in the life of the apostle Peter. He has boasted frequently and loudly about his commitment to Christ. He has promised to give his own life, in necessary, to defend the Savior. Already, however, he has fled when Jesus was arrested. He is now sneaking about the grounds of the high priest’s palace, attempting to conceal his identity while learning the state of Jesus.

If the death of Polycarp is regarded as the finest testimony of a martyred saint, then the behavior of Peter on this night must be regarded as the most regrettable and shameful act of denying the Savior.

The Text

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

The Teaching

In spite of warnings and developing circumstances that indicate trouble ahead, some people remain confident of self only to find out just how weak they really are. One such person is the apostle Peter. We know how boldly he declared his loyalty to Christ in the past. At one point, responding to the Savior’s warning about the coming events of that last night, Peter cried: “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” (26:35)

You could not find a finer example of good intentions. You could not find a better example of a man promising One he loved that he would stand by Him and defend Him to the death. And, at the same time, you could not find a better example of foolish boasting, of bragging before the test comes, and of putting one’s confidence before the sure warnings of the Lord. Peter was wrong to continue boasting of his commitment—one Jesus corrected him, Peter should have accepted that and realized the Lord knew more than he knew. Since he did not act with such wisdom, Peter now must face the consequences of unguarded declarations and improper confidence in the flesh.

The palace of the high priest was a comparatively large estate. Typically, such places had an inner courtyard surrounded by the walls of the residence. It is late and there are more than a few people moving around, many associated with the recent arrest of Jesus, and others attracted by curiosity. Initially, Peter is able to walk into the area with being identified. He must be a man with divided urges at this moment. He is obviously fearful, as we soon learn, yet here he is, following Jesus and the Lord’s enemies onto the grounds of the high priest’s home.

Have you ever wanted to be courageous, but realized your circumstances were a bit more than you expected? You find yourself hoping you can do the right thing, but realizing, perhaps unexpectedly, that there is a good chance you are going to stumble. I think this is what Peter is facing at this moment as he arrives in the courtyard. He wants to be brave and he wants to support Jesus, but he has been thrown into a whirlwind of activity in the past couple of hours, which he was not expecting. He’s wrestling now with his desire to be loyal and true, while having to accept the weakness of his constitution. It’s not that Peter is a particularly timid soul; he is reacting in much the same way many men would react. He wants to be brave, once again, but his heart is racing and he genuinely fears discovery.

In such a situation, the very worst thing that can happen is exactly what happens to Peter: “You too were with Jesus the Galilean,” one of the servant-girls says when she spots Peter. He has a split second to process this sentence and analyze the implications of his response. If he replies, “Yes, I am a disciple of the Man just taken into custody,” there are some serious consequences to face. Mere mental assertions of dedication to Jesus will not satisfy what is now being demanded of him. At this moment, Peter is being required to respond to something said, which has enormous implications—implications, in fact, for his own preservation.

This is one of those “moments of truth” we face in life when what we say about ourselves and even what we believe about ourselves is challenged—and challenged in a way that will not allow for further pretense. Peter has only two choices. Either he admits he is one of the Lord’s companions or he denies he is one of the Lord’s companions. Because of the simplicity of the issue, Peter cannot delay his response without causing suspicion. He cannot say, “Well, let me think about that for a while and I’ll get back to you.” The statement isn’t complicated, so Peter’s response is not complicated.

Peter must say something and he must saying something right now. His reply is: “I do not know what you are talking about.” (v. 70) Matthew indicates there is a crowd witnessing this exchange, which had some impact, I would guess, on Peter’s response. In essence, he is being accused publicly of being a supporter of a Man the scribes and elders have said is a great blasphemer and a danger to true religion. If Peter acknowledges an association with Jesus, he will be subject to questioning and perhaps some kind of retaliation. He knows this, which is why he decides not to be revealed as a disciple.

The text says is that Peter “denied it” (i.e. the girl’s assertion that he is one of the Lord’s followers). There is nothing else said at this moment. A statement is made and Peter pretends ignorance. You’ll notice that he has answered in such a way as to indicate that maybe the servant girl is confused or he hasn’t really understood her point. It’s not a direct answer as if Peter said: “Go away, I have no idea who this Man is; I’ve never met Him and I have no association with Him.” It is, however, a denial of knowing Jesus. Peter is trying to avoid a blatant disowning of Jesus, perhaps, but his response amounts to the same thing.

After leaving that area, another servant-girl recognized Peter and said: “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” (v. 71) Before we continue, I want you to remember how anxious Peter was to be identified with Jesus when he thought the Savior was coming to Jerusalem to set up a kingdom. He wanted the blessings that would go with being at the Savior’s side; Peter delighted in the thought of being given a position of authority in that kingdom and being able to rule with Jesus. Under those circumstances, Peter did not mind being identified as one of the Savior’s companions. In fact, this was a point of dispute among all the disciples just before they entered the city; they all wanted the benefits that would go along with the privilege of being with King Jesus.

But where are they now? Every man who was willing to accept honor has fled now that honor is not going to be handed out to anyone. Peter is the only one in this scene and he has completely abandoned the idea of gaining celebrity by being a companion of Jesus. It’s become obvious that the scribes and elders have no intention of bestowing honor on Jesus, so Peter now sees no benefit in admitting he is one of the Lord’s followers. He is greatly intimidated and uncertain of what is going to happen next. Therefore, when a second servant-girl says he was one of the men with Jesus, Peter speaks more strongly and says: “I do not know the man.” (v. 72)

A second opportunity and a second failure; a second assertion and a second denial. Peter’s reply is more direct than the first: “I do not know the man.” Things are heating up for Peter and he knows it; he realizes his denial has to be made plainly and with strength. He could expect nothing but instant trouble if he admitted being a companion of Jesus. At that moment, fear completely overcame Peter and he is now in self-preservation mode. Rather than reply as if he didn’t fully understand the assertion, he bluntly declares that he does not know Jesus.

I wonder if Peter had the presence of mind to at least consider the possibility of telling the truth and trusting Jesus to protect him. Certainly, Jesus had demonstrated amazing abilities and powers; maybe Jesus would intercede and not allow Peter to be harmed. This is all speculation, of course, because, as I said, Peter is afraid and in that state of mind, he is not working through his circumstances logically or, and this is more important by far, faithfully. Peter is not exhibiting any faith at this moment. What he sees is making more of an impression on Peter than what he knows and what he has been told.

For example, Jesus once told the disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, they could move mountains. What a vastly different description of the disciples that is from what is being portrayed by Peter. Jesus warned His men more than once about the cost of following Him so that they would be prepared when testing came. But Peter is behaving as if he had never been told that serving Christ would have a cost in this fallen world. Right now, at this moment, the cost is staring Peter in the face and he is not willing to pay it; the only way out is denial. If there is a cost to being a companion of Jesus, then the only way to escape is to deny you know that Man; and that is what Peter does—for the second time.

Did you notice the detail Matthew supplies? “He denied it with an oath.” This was a serious act among the Jews. It was commonly assumed that a man would not invoke an oath unless he really was telling the truth. An oath, usually involving calling on something, sometimes even God, as a witness of your honesty, was not taken lightly. Peter’s oath served to strengthen his denial and, he hoped, make it more believable. Take note, as well, that Peter refers to Jesus as “the man,” as if Jesus is a complete stranger.

Rather than flee, Peter remains in the area. As a result, he is identified one more time as a companion of Jesus: “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” (v. 73) We have to conclude, among other things, that Jesus and His immediate followers had been seen on various occasions in the past. Many present in the courtyard seem to know who Jesus is; and they also recall at least one of the men seen with Jesus, namely, Peter. This third accusation sounds as if the person is aware of Peter’s previous denials. The sentence is emphatic: “Surely you too are one of them . . .” And this time, the speaker notes Peter’s speech. His Galilean dialect was clearly recognizable.

From the other Gospels, we learn that for the past hour or so, men have been conversing with Peter and others have been talking about him. He has become the center of attention to a degree. In John’s account, we also learn that a relative of Malchus, the man whose slave had been wounded by Peter earlier that night, claimed that he remembered seeing Peter in the garden with Jesus. Instead of growing less confident of Peter’s identity, the men grow more confident. Peter’s previous denials have not worked. He must now make one final attempt to save himself. Therefore, “he began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know the man!’” (v. 74) With more oaths, stronger words, and greater emphasis, Peter declares he doesn’t even know Jesus.

Earlier this evening, as Peter boasted of his determination to remain loyal, Jesus warned him: “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Matthew says that as soon as this last denial left the lips of the apostle Peter, “a rooster crowed.” “Oh, no!,” Peter must have thought to himself; “What have I done?” The text says Peter remembered what Jesus told him. Jesus was right, Peter was wrong. Jesus warned Peter, but Peter ignored the warning. And, therefore, “he went out and wept bitterly.” (v. 75)

Application

More than three years before this night, Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galiee when He saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. The men were casting a net into the sea hoping to catch enough fish to realize a profit for the day. Jesus spoke to them and said: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:18, 19) There began Peter’s incredible journey with the Savior of our race. On so many occasions, Peter, the former fisherman, was witness to extraordinary events. During a violent storm on that same Sea of Galilee sometime later, for example, Peter saw a strange Figure walking toward him on the water. “It is a ghost!” the disciples cried. But it was only Jesus: “Take courage,” He said, “it is I; do not be afraid.” Then the ever-adventurous Peter asked if he could get out of the boat and walk to Jesus on the water. “Come!,” Jesus commanded, and Peter stepped onto the waves. In a matter of seconds, he paniced and called to Jesus: “Lord, save me!” The Savior took hold of Peter and put him back in the boat. (Matt. 14:26 ff.)

An honor was bestowed on Peter at another time when God in heaven revealed to him the identity of Jesus. Peter confessed before Jesus and the others: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16) Upon the truth of that declaration, Jesus said, the Church would be built in this world and would eventually destroy the very stronghold of Satan. And on yet another occasion, Peter was one of three permitted to accompany Jesus up a mountain where the Lord conversed wtih Moses and Elijah. There he heard the a voice from heaven say: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matt. 17:1 ff.)

These are just a few of the amazing experiences in which Peter was involved. Hand-picked, as it were, by Jesus Himself to be one of His closest disciples; singled-out to be trained by the Savior, educated by Him, and equipped by Him to take the good news of God’s redemption to the hurting souls of the world—this was Peter’s legacy. I ask you, therefore, what happened to this man? How did Peter fall so far and so shockingly? How could a man see and hear all that Peter saw and heard and then do what he did this night in the courtyard as his beloved Jesus is being tormented and ridiculed and falsely charged? What mistakes did Peter make, which led to the denials and the intense misery suffered later as he wrestled with what he had done? In short, where did the apostle go wrong?

I believe that there are several observations to be made about Peter’s latest experience that will help us understand how such a thing could happen. If you will take these observations to heart, you will have a means of combating sin and failure in your own life. The truth is, Peter’s downfall can be attributed to some basic errors on his part. There is no great mystery here.

Peter’s first mistake happened before he reached the courtyard. He had too much confidence in himself. Peter was sure he could endure any circumstance. He had so much self-confidence that he even pledged his life to Jesus. No man has cause to boast in this manner. No matter who you are, and no matter what qualities you may possess, you do not have the means of overcoming any and all obstacles and challenges in this life. We are warned many times in Scripture to keep our mouths closed, to guard against developing an overly-optimistic opinion of our ourselves, and to pursue humility while seeking to rid ourselves of all evidence of pride. Pride was the beginning of Peter’s downfall. He was a proud man and a proud man believes he can overcome all things; and a proud man believes he can succeed where all other men fail. Because Peter’s pride was so great, his fall had to be equally great. Take this warning to heart: “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Pro. 29:23)

A second mistake made by Peter was ignoring the warnings of Jesus. Peter heard the Lord tell him he would fail, but Peter didn’t listen. Jesus gave this man clear, distinct counsel, but Peter paid no attention. Imagine how different the outcome might have been if Peter had mediated on the warnings spoken by Jesus. But Peter thought he knew better than Jesus. He thought the words of Jesus might apply to the others, but not to him. Peter went forward, full of confidence, ignoring the warnings of the Savior—and he fell. His fall was not a minor incident; it was one that remains one of the most shameful acts ever committed. If he had just listened to Jesus; if he had just submitted himself and his thinking to the sure word of the Lord, Peter could have avoided disaster.

Understand that you, too, will inevitable fall if you ignore the warnings of God’s Word. If you read Scripture or hear it explain and you decide it doesn’t really apply to you or you determine you are not in need of instruction, you will surely stumble. And it won’t be because God ignored you or failed to give you help; it will be because you ignored God and His Word. You are not wiser than God; therefore, you should be thankful for the Word. You have the whole Bible at your disposal, yet I’m positive many of you are struggling with issues addressed in that Book; and you are struggling because you don’t study that Book. Your misery will continue as long as you choose to ignore the Scriptures.

Peter also erred by making his sin more complicated and more costly. Peter dug himself into a spiritual hole by denying Jesus—not once, and not twice, but three times. He thought his deception was likely to give him more than the truth. Peter believed the lie he was telling was more likely to bring about a good end than his admission of the truth that night. Rather than abandon his sin when the second occasion arose, Peter sinned again and he got himself into deeper trouble. Sinning never results in anything good and positive. Sinning can only result in compounded misery. When you sin, the way of recovery is not more sin!

Again, I wonder if there are some who find themselves in this trap this morning. A first sin has led to a second and a second to a third. Now, you find yourself in a deplorable state. You continuing sin, far from bringing you freedom or something good, has only entangled you more in matters you wish you could be rid of. Now, because you kept sinning and did not repent the first time or the second time, the way out is going to be difficult—it may be costly, it may be embarrassing, it may take a while. Just be assured that continuing down the road you are now following is only going to make matters worse for you.

Peter had a way out. He could have controlled his sinful pride; he could listened to Jesus when he was warned; and he could have told the truth rather than a lie there in the courtyard. You know that when he heard that rooster crow, Peter wished he had done just what I’ve described.

Whatever sin you are wrestling with today, there is a way out. You have a Savior in your life who loves you more than you can imagine and who has done something for you that no one else could ever do. He has answered for your transgressions. Isn’t that amazing? Though your sin is your own fault, He has paid the price for it. And now He is able to restore you. Rather than leave you to face the consequences of your pride and your stubborn refusal to heed counsel, Jesus paid your debt and is now at work in you conforming you to His perfect image.

This is what the gospel is about. While you were condemned to eternal death, Jesus came and died for you. While you are subject to the demands of a fallen nature, Jesus came and conquered that enemy and has given you new life—not just in heaven, which is to come, but right now on this earth. He has made it possible for you to avoid sin and possible for you to recover from sin, if necessary. You know your life is not accepted in the eyes of a perfect God. Jesus knew that, too. And He came into the world to deliver you and give you what you need and do for you what must be done so you can be reconciled to God. He is a wonderful Savior.

If, therefore, you have followed Peter’s bad example of letting pride rule your life and of ignoring the warnings God provides and of digging yourself into a deeper hole by repeated sinning, then you need a Savior. You may be born again already, but that doesn’t mean you cannot fall into serious trouble. You may not be born again, and that means you are in the worst kind of trouble. In both cases, the answer is to call upon Jesus. He is a merciful high priest in the things pertaining to God. Call upon Him, cast yourself on Him, and He will deliver you.

Let’s pray…

Communion hymn

Conclusion

This sacrament is, as I often say, a pledge from the Savior. In it, we have a representation of His sacrifice for us. We have His body, given on that cross for us, represented by the bread. And we have His blood, shed on the cross for the remission of our sins, represented by the wine. Take these elements and rejoice in the gift of salvation. Let them revive your spirit and give you much-needed strength for your journey.

Matt. 26: 26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”