Sermon Recap — May 9, 2021

Sermon Recap

The Fickleness of Man and the Faithfulness of Christ

Jeremy Bell
Luke 22:31–34, 54-62
May 9, 2021
Sermon Video/Audio

Luke 22:31–34

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

[31] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” [33] Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” [34] Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (ESV)

Luke 22:54–62

Peter Denies Jesus

[54] Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. [55] And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. [56] Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” [57] But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” [58] And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” [59] And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” [60] But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. [61] And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” [62] And he went out and wept bitterly. (ESV)

I. The Fickleness of Peter

1. Peter refuses to heed the Word of Christ

“Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!’” — Matthew 26:35

2. He sleeps when he should be praying

3. He acts according to the flesh

“And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’” Matthew 16:22-24

4. He caves to pressure and denies Christ

II. The Faithfulness of Christ

1. Christ was faithful to love Peter, in spite of His denial

2. Christ suffered in the place of Peter, and all like him

3. Christ prayed for Peter, and restored him to greater fruitfulness

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. — John 21:15-17

Questions For Discussion/Application:

  • Re-read the text, Luke 22:54-62. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
  • Re-read the notes above under the first point, “The Fickleness of Peter.” In what ways do you see yourself in Peter?
  • How was the love of Christ expressed towards Peter, in spite of His denial?
  • In what ways have you experienced the love of Christ?
  • Christ suffered in the place of Peter, and all like him. When you pause and consider the truth that on the Cross Jesus suffered in your place, how does that affect you?
  • Christ prayed for Peter and restored him to greater faithfulness. How does that reality encourage you?
  • Consider taking time to pray, thanking God for His goodness and faithfulness in spite of the many ways we have failed Him?

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