One thing that we all have in common is that we have embarrassing stories. We have stories of spectacular fails. These stories fall into two categories: first, the stories that are embarrassing yet funny and that we can eventually laugh about, and second, the stories that are embarrassing and shameful and that we never want to retell.
The Bible gives us an incredibly important example of this second type of story in Mark 14:27-31; 53, 54; 66-72. This is a story that Peter wants Mark to include in his Gospel because this is a story that we need to know. We need to know how God responds when we do things that are shameful, regretful, and awful, just as Peter did when he denied Jesus three times.
Mark 66-72 reads, “66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 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.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 72 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.”
Peter’s intent here was to convince people that he was not a follower of Jesus Christ. He denied and betrayed Jesus. Did he just end his relationship with Jesus? Did Peter just lose his salvation? In that moment, in betrayal and heartbreak, perhaps Peter thought that there was no coming back from this.
But here’s what the Scriptures are conclusive about from Genesis to Revelation. We all fail God. Throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament, it’s one betrayal, one denial, one mess after another. The question is not will we fail, the question is what happens to us when we fail. Do we minimize, justify, excuse, normalize, and celebrate our sin, or are our heart still open to repentance? Peter broke down and wept in repentance. He was still open to God’s leading and God’s love.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter and the other disciples were fishing in Galilee. Jesus met them there. Jesus cooked fish for Peter by the fire. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times by a fire, Jesus asked Peter three times by a fire, Do you love me? Three times, Peter answered, Lord, you know I love you. Jesus said, then feed my lambs. Jesus did not see Peter as a denier or a betrayer. He was not defined in God’s eyes by his greatest sin. God made him into a faithful and true witness because he knew Peter’s heart. Peter went from that terrible moment to a leader who would go down as one of the greatest men in the history of the church.
This is what God wants us to know today. God knows what we did, he knows our sin. But he knows we are more than that. If we are repentant, if we continue to follow God, we are not defined by sin, but rather defined by God’s grace!
Practical Tips
Sin is a consequence of living in a broken world.
The question is not if we’ll sin, but when.
When we sin, we must repent and be open to God’s leading.
We are not meant to be stuck in the cycle of sin and shame. God does not want us there.
Remember that we are not defined by our sin, but by God’s grace!
