The Restoration of a Sinning Saint Matthew 26: 69 – 75 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. (26:69-70)

Introduction Forgiveness of sins is the single greatest gift God could give to mankind; without forgiveness there could be: – No salvation from sin – No reconciliation with God – No spiritual life – No victory over death – No prospect of heaven Peter’s denial, repentance, and forgiveness – Great tragedy – weakness of the flesh – Great encouragement – power of God’s grace

Peter’s Steps Towards Denying Christ StepComments His boasting o “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will” o Unfounded confidence in himself o Directly contradicted his Lord His insubordination o “Even if I have to die with you, I will not disown you.” o Defiantly persisted in rejecting Jesus’ assessment of him His prayerlessness o Fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus asked him to pray and watch o Sinful self-confidence His impulsiveness o Cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest o Took matters into his own hands His compromise in allowing himself to be in a place of spiritual danger o Courtyard was place where his faith might be tested beyond his ability to resist

Peter’s First Denial (vv ) Sitting by the fire warming himself with a group of officers Denied knowing Jesus in front of all the people gathered by the fire not just to the servant girl “Even if I have to die with you, I will not disown you,” Peter had told Jesus; now he denies even knowing Jesus Peter was unprepared for the unexpected question A person’s response to the unexpected is a more reliable indicator of character than his planned reaction to a situation he anticipates Now Peter was sitting in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said (Matt. 26:69-70)

Peter’s Second Denial (vv ) Peter went to the gateway to escape further embarrassment Another girl saw him and commented to the people, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth” Luke 22:58b – an unidentified man said, “You are one of them too!” Peter’s responses – To the girl, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” – To the man: “Man, I am not!” Peter strongly refused to acknowledge his relationship to his Savior and Lord Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” (Matt. 26:71-72)

Peter’s Third Denial (vv a) The crowd intensified its questioning of Peter “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” – Peter’s Galilean accent was readily recognizable At this point Peter hit rock bottom – He again began to call down curses upon himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” – Peter said in essence, “May God kill me and damn me if I am not speaking the truth.” As the accusations became more specific and incriminating, Peter’s denial became more intense and extreme After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” The he again began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” (Matt. 26:73-74a)

Peter Remembers Christ’s Prediction (vv. 74b-75a) Even while Peter was still speaking (Luke 22:60), Immediately a rooster crowed. At this time “the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61) – The look must have penetrated Peter’s soul, burning deep into his heart and conscience the evil of his sin As he looked into his Lord’s eyes, “Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Imagine Peter’s pain!! Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” (Matt. 26:74b-75a)

Peter’s Repentance (v. 75b) The true Peter is not seen in his denial but in his repentance – The first stage was deep remorse – Realizing the grievousness of his sin, he turned from it in revulsion Like Judas he fled into the night; but, unlike Judas, he returned to the Lord in faith His faith had slipped and weakened, but it was genuine faith And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matt. 26:75b)

Conclusion Peter’s experience teaches a profound lesson about: – Self-trust and unpreparedness – God’s forgiveness and restoration of a sinning saint – Peter learned never to distrust Jesus’ word again Forgiveness and restoration come only from turning from sin to God

Conclusion The Lord made good on His promise that Peter’s faith would not fail – Jesus three times questioned Peter about his love for Him; Peter affirmed it three times (John 21:15-17) This experience influenced Peter to write about trusting in Jesus’ word: “Beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest... you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17-18)