The Trial of Simon Peter

Daily Devotional – Sunday, August 15, 2021

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus … So he went out and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26:75 (NKJV)

Peter followed Jesus into the judgement room. He joined a group of people who were warning themselves by a fire. That is when his trial began.

A servant girl told Peter, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” (Matthew 26:69). Peter pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ by saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” (v. 70).

It did not take long before another girl accused Peter of being a follower of Jesus. This time, He swore, “I do not know the Man!” (v. 72).

How did Peter respond to the third accusation? “Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” (Matthew 26:73-74).

The more they accused him, the more vehemently Peter denied Jesus. Ironically, the public found Peter 100% guilty of following Jesus.

Why was this? Peter had spent long moments with Jesus. Over time, the character and mannerisms of Jesus had rubbed on him. Peter denied the Lord of out fear.

 “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus … So he went out and wept bitterly” (v. 75). He regretted and repented of the sin of denying his Master.

Often, we too are guilty of the same sin – denying Jesus in word and deed. The good news is that Jesus will forgive and restore us if we repent of this sin.

It is ironical that if you have walked with Jesus, you are guilty of being a Christian in the eye of the public, even if you deny it.

Today, ask God for courage to stand for Him when under pressure and always.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the moments I have denied you in word and deed.