Failure is not Final

The redeeming power of Grace.

Luke 22:54–62 ESV

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 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.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 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.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Is there anyone in here today who has made mistakes? We see here in this passage that Jesus has told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter at the moment Jesus says this is full of pride and denies that he would ever deny Jesus. Peter says that he would die with Jesus. It is amazing what fear will do.

Let’s imagine for a moment the scene that set before us. Jesus has been betrayed by Judas and they have arrested Jesus. Jesus is about to go through a tough night. As the commotion ensues the heightened sense of doom increases. The problem was that Peter and the disciples did not truly understand what Jesus had to go through even though Jesus had told them.

You know when you are told something before hand it is different then when you come face to face with it. I remember when I was in the army and we were getting ready to go into the gas chamber. They had told us what would happen but I was not nervous. But as we walked up to the gas chamber it was different. Fear came over me because I was unsure what would happen. When they told us to break the seal on our masks I would have said anything to get out of it. Instantly my breath was taken away and i could not breathe. Every second was like an hour when they finally opened the door and we ran out of the room. I won’t share with you the disgusting site we were at that time.

So I can understand a little of what Peter was feeling. The city is in an uproar and they have caught the infamous Jesus and now all bets are off on His disciples. Everyone else other than John has abandoned Jesus. The crowd wanted blood and they were looking who else they could arrest. Here is where Peter finds himself in the midst of the turmoil.

Have you ever thought you were going to do something and when the event came you do everything opposite what you thought? This was Peter when questioned about Jesus. He went from I will die for you to I don’t know Him. In Peter’s mind I am sure he felt that he had failed. But can I tell you that failure is not final.

The enemy tells you that you have blown it and that it is over. That the Lord will never except you now. You have made to many mistakes and you are irredeemable. Can I tell you that is a lie from the enemy. We see it here with Peter who we know becomes a major part of the church of Jesus Christ. Can I tell you that your failure is not final. In fact your failure is what qualifies you for your call. Somebody needs to say hallelujah about that.

Can we look at Peter’s three failures. Can we talk about Facing Fearful Failure. Can we talk about Repetition Leaves Regret. Finally can we talk about the Gaze of Grace.

Facing Fearful Failure;

Luke 22:54–62 ESV

“This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”

In the classic movie 'The Wizard of Oz,' the Cowardly Lion is a symbol of fear and insecurity. He seeks courage but constantly doubts himself. It’s funny to think of a lion being afraid of his own roar! Just as Peter faced his fear of failure by denying Christ, we too can find ourselves in 'Cowardly Lion' moments. But just like him, we must recognize our true strength lies in our ability to face those fears head-on with faith!

When I started going to Restoration Church it was called North Providence Assymbly of God. I met a young Pastor who became my friend his name was Pastor Mike Caparelli. He was a play writer and he had written a play called Higher Love. It was a play about a woman’s prison and to top it off it was a musical. So they had auditions For the play. Part of the audition was that you had to sing. Well there was one part that did not have a singing part. That was the part of the narrator who was also a prison guard. I tried out for that part. But I still had to sing for my audition. Well the good news was that I got the part as the narrator. But because I did a good job singing a role who did not have a song they had to find one for. If I can set the scene for you this was a kind of West Side story musical play. That means when different groups were singing they would all be on the stage together singing together. But my part my song happened when everyone had left the stage and I was the only one on stage left to sing alone. Let me add this little tie bit for you. I had never song anything in front of a crowd of people. I can remember it like it was yesterday the ending song would happen and everyone would clear the stage my stomach would come to the top of my throat. Then I would hear the beginning music for the song. The name of the song was “Heaven” by the Los Lonely Boys. Can I tell you I know what fear is. Listen to me I have jumped out of plans, I have been to war and none of that scared me like this did. There is one thing I have learned about dealing with fear. That you have to face it head on no matter what. So we did that play from Friday through Sunday and every time that part came and the beginning of that song came on my stomach would lurch but I would face it head on and sing the song.

Here we see Peter in a very precarious moment. He is afraid and in the moment he lies and says I do not know him. Peter faces a fearful failure in the moment. He losses his poise and passion. He does not stand tall for Jesus but crumbles under the scrutiny.

There have been many moments when I have felt fear. In this case it was not how Peter thought he would act. He was ready to die for Jesus. But instead he lies about Jesus. Have you ever been in a situation where fear over took you and you either wanted to run and or lie?

Life and death are at stake here at least in the mind of Peter. It makes me wonder if true persecution came to us how many of us would deny knowing Jesus? How many of us would be just like Peter and say I don’t know the man. Every one of us right now would say I would never disown my Lord and Savior. If you had asked Peter this before the arrest of Jesus he would have said the same thing.

Peter had to face his fearful failure. There are reports of grown men just freezing in battle. Other reports of grown men just pulling themselves into a ball and calling for their mommy. Fear will do this to you if you let it.

Have you ever just have words come out your mouth and your like I did not mean to say that? Peter is in violation of this and truth be told at this moment Peter is no different than Judas.

Peter's first denial of Jesus was motivated by fear of the potential consequences of being associated with Jesus, who was being arrested and was about to be crucified. He feared being accused, persecuted, or even killed himself, as he saw the situation unfolding. This fear caused him to deny knowing Jesus, despite his earlier claims of loyalty. But can I tell you that failure is not final.

There are those who have made mistakes and the enemy has told you that you’re not worthy. The enemy has told you that Jesus would never accept you. That Jesus could never love someone like you. But can I tell you that your failure is not final. It is not the final word in your story. It is not the end of the tale but truth be told it is what qualifies you. But we will to have to face our fear in times of failure.

Look at your neighbor and say sometimes we have to face our fears.

2. Repetition Leaves Regret;

Luke 22:54–62 ESV

You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”

Once, I was trying to help my friend fix his car. I kept telling him, 'Just turn the wrench one more time!' But he turned it too much, and we ended up stripping the bolt. Sometimes, like Peter, our repeated regrets can lead to stripped bolts in our lives. It’s easy to say, 'I won’t do that again,' yet we often find ourselves back in the same place. That’s why it’s essential to learn from our mistakes and change course instead of repeating them.

How many of us have made the same mistakes over and over again? There is something that happens after the first time if we do not deal with it the right way. If we do not deal with our failure the right way it becomes easier the next time. Here we see Peter gets confronted again and this time he says I am not one of them. So he slips away from saying I don’t know Jesus to I am not one of them. He has disowned not just Jesus but all of the disciples he has been living with for the past three years. He has fallen deeper in his deceit. Repetition of sin brings much regret. Peter would have to live with this for the rest of his life. Can you imagine you have been living with Jesus and the disciples for the past 3 1/2 years and now you are saying that you’re not a part of them. Peter has seen all the miracles, he has heard all the sermons, and he has shared personal moments with Jesus. Would anyone in here ever do this? Nah none of us would ever do this. But how about those who have heard all the sermons but yet have repetitive sin in their lives. How about those who Jesus has done major works in their lives but they still have repetitive sin. There are many who are ever hearing but never learning. And if you were caught at the right moment you would say I am not a part of them.

Listen if on the first night of the play A higher Love if I had came down with a mysterious sickness, or ran off the stage I would have never been able to sing that song. The first denial lead to the repetition of the second denial.

Another reason for Peter’s failure was fear. To his credit, although all the others had fled (Mark 14:50), Peter still followed Jesus after His arrest, but he kept his distance so as not to be identified with Him (Mark 14:54). There’s no question that fear gripped him. From the courtyard, he watched Jesus being falsely accused, beaten, and insulted (Mark 14:57–66). Peter was afraid Jesus would die, and he was fearful for his own life as well. The world hated Jesus, and Peter found that he was not prepared to face the ridicule and persecution that Jesus was suffering. Earlier, Jesus had warned His disciples as well as us today, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18; cf. Matthew 24:9). Peter quickly found he wasn’t nearly as bold and courageous as he had proclaimed, and in fear he denied the One who had loved him.

How many of you in here this morning love Jesus? How many of you know that Jesus loves you? We would ask why Peter would deny the One who Loves him. I would ask the same question why would so many deny Jesus after He has shown His love for us? But we cannot say we love Jesus and have repetitive sin in our lives. I think it would have not been as bad if Peter had only denied Jesus once. But twice Peter is now knowing what he is saying. The first time it could have slipped out, but now it just comes out. I would suggest that we all have been Peter before. As a matter of fact look at your neighbor and say hi Peter. Because we have all done things that we know we should not have done and we have done it again. That is why so many of us have deep regret in our hearts. because repetition of sin leads to regret. But can I tell you that failure is not final!

Can I tell you that if you have repetitive sin in your life that today it can all end. That your failure is not final. It is not the last word in your story. It does not disqualify you but in most cases qualifies you.

Look at your neighbor and say don’t let regret eat away at you. Look at your other neighbor and say today is the day to let it go.

3. Gaze of Grace;

Luke 22:54–62 ESV

Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

Picture a puppy that just chewed up a favorite pair of shoes. Instead of a harsh reprimand, the owner kneels down, looks the puppy in the eyes, and sees the innocence and remorse. Similarly, when Peter denies Jesus, he receives a look full of grace rather than condemnation. Just like that puppy, we might mess up, but God's gaze always sees beyond our errors towards redemption.

We could never have created ourselves and we could never have redeemed ourselves. We cannot talk ourselves into getting a longing for God. It has to come from God.46

A. W. Tozer

Here we see that Peter is in a tail spin of denial. He cannot get himself out of it. But when the rooster crows and Jesus looks at Peter it breaks the spell that had came over him. Peter came to himself and wept bitterly.

It is amazing that even though we sin and deny Jesus He looks at us with the gaze of grace. That He still love us in fact His word says.

Romans 8:35–37 ESV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Look at your neighbor and say Jesus loves you. Peter denied Jesus we have denied Jesus but this will not separate you from His love. The only thing that can separate you from the Love of Jesus is you. Even though Peter says man I don’t know what your talking about Jesus still looks at him with loving eyes of grace. His look was not one of condemnation but one of compassion and love. He knew Peter would do what he did. Jesus knows what you have done He knew it before you did it. But He stills loves you. I am not giving you a license to sin I am giving you the truth of who Jesus is. Here is the truth of it. If your heart is for Jesus his word says that He will finish the work that He has started in you. If your heart is for other things then that is a different story, but even in that case He still loves you. His word again says that His wish is to not loose one.

John 6:39 ESV

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.

There is something about the gaze of Jesus that breaks the spell that Peter is under. It brings him back to reality and an understanding of what he has done. Now there is room for repentance. This is what separates Peter from Judas. Peter repents and comes to himself and it was all because of a gaze of grace. What a Savior we have that He cares enough to look. He could have kept His head down and let Peter continue to spiral out of control. But He did not He looked and it changed Peter. He does the same for us and would do the same for you.

Think about it for a second. Jesus came for just that reason to save mankind from its sins. Jesus even died for the soldier who put the nails in His hands and feet. That is why I can stand here and with 100% confidence say to you that failure is not final. It is not over with Jesus. Peter denies Jesus three times and yet it was not over for Him this is what Jesus says to Peter about His failure.

Luke 22:32 ESV

but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus tells Peter before he denies Him that when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. What is interesting is that Jesus says that I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. So here is the thing He did not pray that Peter would not deny Him. He prayed that his faith would not fail him. At the end of the day when Jesus looked at Peter with eyes of Grace Peter came to himself and his faith kicked in. Somebody say faith kicked in.

We will all go through struggles and there will be times when we deny Jesus or knowing Him. But I pray that your faith would not fail. That you will come to yourself and remember who Jesus is and what He has done in your life. Let faith kick in.

Look at your neighbor and say kick the door of faith in.

End with this:

John 21:15–17 ESV

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.” 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.” 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.

Here we see that Jesus has canceled out the denials with statements of love. Each time Peter is asked do you love me by Jesus it canceled a denial by Peter. The interesting part of this if we look closer. That Peter denied Jesus to people but Jesus makes it personal.

We see that in this moment Jesus does not call him Peter but Simon. The reason I believe Jesus calls him Simon was because Peter had gone back to his old life. He was a fishermen again. So Jesus had to remind Peter that he was no longer called to that profession.

We also see that with the cancelation of the denials there is a call to purpose. As Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and when Peter responds yes Jesus then assigns Peter purpose. Jesus says to Peter feed my sheep. In other words Jesus is saying to Peter that your failure is not final. I have a job for you to do and that is to feed my sheep. Jesus is saying the same thing to you today. That it does not matter if you have denied Him the fact is He still loves you. That your failure is the thing that will qualify you. Jesus is saying that He has a purpose for your life. That today your failure can be made right. That today you can get rid of your regret. That in this moment the gaze of grace is looking at you.

If you’re here and you have denied Jesus or just have made some mistakes. The enemy has been telling you that you’re not worthy or that Jesus does not love you. Respond to the alter because the gaze of Jesus is on you. The gaze of grace is here and your failure is not final.