Jesus had spoken to Peter about his impending denial during the last supper. Three times Peter would deny (claim no relationship) with Jesus before the rooster crowed twice. Just like Peter, I’m certain there are many Christians who would declare that they would never be ashamed of a relationship with Jesus, but consider the ways in which Peter denied Him:
1. The way he looked.
Mk 14:66-72 “And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.”
2. The crowd he kept.
“And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again.”
3. The language he spoke.
“And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew.”
LESSON - Is it possible that you are denying your relationship with Jesus? Consider the way you look, the way you dress and act. Does it reflect an association with Christ? What about the people with whom you hang out. I do not believe you should completely separate yourself from unsaved people, but when you are around then you should be distinctly godly. Your actions should reflect the Gospel which is their only hope. What about your language? Is it ever profane or crude? The word of God commands that we only speak that which is edifying. I’m concerned that too many Christians never consider these things and will be bitterly disappointed one day when they stand in Jesus’ presence, just like Peter.
“And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.”
~Mike