Peter's Reaffirmation

I. Story of Peter’s Denial

A. First Denial –

1. Denied a simple question

2. Already knew one person was a disciple

3. Didn’t want the hassle

a. blowing someone off

b. perhaps not even really thinking

B. Second –

1. Jesus inside, reaffirming who He was

2. Larger crowd, still denies

a. Start to see the slippery slope

b. First time is a bit difficult but after is easier

c. Much like not coming to Church

C. Third –

1. We see a bit more adamantly

a.

b. Exclamation

2. Peter affirms his denial

3. Not a resolution but a reaffirmation

D. Peter’s failure

1. Peter fails to uphold what he says

a.

b. Resolves to stay the course

c. Just as we resolve each new year to do whatever

2. Peter resolved to do something

a. Never came to be

b. It relies too much upon Him not Jesus

c. Not God’s plan but Peter’s

d. So it fails, utterly

II. Jesus Reaffirms Peter

A. First reaffirmation –

1. Jesus is starting the conversation

2. Wants to ask a very pointed question

3. He is direct and to the point

4. Jesus always asks a question when proving a point

B. Second –

1. Jesus asks the second time

a. Not for His sake but for Peter’s sake

b. Wants Him to be certain of His answer

2. His answer is same

a. Although I can image a bit less confident

b. Probably wondering why Jesus is asking again

C. Third –

1. Here we see that Peter is hurt now

2. Again confused at the question

a. Look at response “you” know

b. But does Peter know

c. Does peter understand

D. Jesus fully reaffirms Peter

1. Three times he denied/three times he affirmed

a. Peter was certain now of his answer

b. Jesus makes sure Peter knows

2. Reaffirmation leads to repentance

a. Because it is already true

b. We just have to remember

3. Repentance leads to salvation

a.

b. Keeps us focused heavenward

i.

III. See the difference

A. One relies upon me

1. Like with Peter

2. Sure he resolved to stay with Jesus

a.

3. But in his weakness his resolution fails

B. One relies upon Jesus

1. We see in affirmation

2. Jesus only proves what is already true

3. Just reminds Peter of that truth

a.

C. Jesus is stronger than I am –

1. His plan is perfect

2. He can see what already is

3. He knows my heart

4. Allows me to reaffirm what is already true

D. As we move forward

1. Going to reaffirm some thing

2. Remember what is already true