Sermon Details
- Pastor Name: Jonathan Cornell
- Date & Time: March 16, 2014 | 10:00am
There are two trials that are happening simultaneously, one inside the home of the high priest. There, Jesus is being questioned and condemned by the leaders of the Jewish Council. But there is a very different trial taking place just outside their door in the courtyard. You see, in Jerusalem, the homes of the wealthy were situated around a courtyard where people could gather.
But this night, with the crowd gathered there in the courtyard, another trial is about to take place. Peter is called out of the shadows to take the stand under the light of campfires. Peter undergoes a trial by a few young women and some bystanders. You see, Peter followed at a distance, just close enough to be within earshot of the home where Jesus stood trial, and what he thought was just far enough to remain anonymous. Peter, it seems, wanted to save Jesus from making a mistake.
Have you ever tried to save Jesus from making a mistake? Maybe there was someone near to you who was near death, or on the verge of losing their job, and you prayed earnestly and forcefully for God to intervene. “Jesus, this is something that you can do something about, go ahead show ‘em. You don’t have to lose face by subjecting yourself to this scorn and ridicule. Show ‘em Jesus.” Peter was ashamed that Jesus was subjecting himself to the accusations of the leaders. Peter thought he knew better than Jesus, he thought he knew what was best for Jesus, and that certainly was not to go the way of the cross. Peter was trying to muster his own strength, rather than trusting in God to supply the strength he needed to face the trial.
Download the entire transcript here: Luke 22 54-62 Denial
