Three Little Words

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“A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.” – Luke 22:56-57

There are three words spoken by a child that are like a dagger in every parents heart.  “I hate you.”  Generally spoken in a fit of anger, over a decision waged against the child’s desired outcome.  If you are a parent you have most likely heard these words escape the lips of one of your children at some point in their life.  Immediately, as the power of the words sink in, a spontaneous reaction normally ensues.  There are some that will react with love, some that will react with discipline and others that will not react at all in an outward manner and just let the words go unacknowledged.  In any of these situations though, the internal impact is generally one of hurt, disappointment and concern for the relationship.

Peter’s denial of Christ comes at a moment of vulnerability.  His words are spontaneous in reaction to the fear of just seeing his Master, whom he deeply loves, be taking away in shackles.  Despite Peter’s strength and love for Jesus Christ as captured in Mark 14:29; his immediate reaction when confronted was to avoid the same persecution himself.  Many point to this as a weakness in Peter, yet I point to this as Peter’s role in Jesus ministry. 

In Zachariah 13:7, it is prophesied that the sheep would be scattered when the shepherd was struck.  Jesus is the shepherd and the disciples were all scattered across the hillside and city of Jerusalem that evening.  Furthermore, before all of this happened Jesus had told Peter that even he would deny Him as Christ.  This demonstrates the omnipotence and sovereignty of God Almighty.  Things happen for a reason and all work within His grander plan. 

Peter’s denial that evening exemplifies our inability to control the outcome of situations despite our own best interests.  Later in the scriptures after Jesus is crucified, buried and resurrected, He appears on the shore as the disciples are fishing.  It’s unclear how much time had passed since the night he denied Christ, but it had to be eating away at his heart and mind that he had let his Savior down and would never have the chance to be forgiven.  In John 21:15-17, we find them on the shore and Jesus asks Peter 3 times – “Do you love Me?”  It is not coincidental that Jesus asks this 3 times, but specifically to wash away any doubt in Peter’s mind that he would be forgiven.  This moment between Jesus and Peter will forever be etched in my mind as I think about all of the times I have disappointed my Savior.

His love for me never changes.  I may not have outright denounced Jesus Christ in the face of others, but there are certainly times in my life that I have not lived up to the expectations and righteousness that is expected of me as a follower of Jesus Christ.  In doing so, I have demonstrated to those around me that He is not important to me.  Despite all of my transgressions and unrighteous behavior, I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ loves me, and will never abandon me.  The next time your child looks up at you with anger in their eyes and says those three powerful words, “I hate you.”,  perhaps you should respond like Jesus and let them know without a doubt – you still love them.

Prayer:Almighty God,
We look at Peter the disciple and realize that Your love for us is beyond measure and immutable.  You have demonstrated this time and time again through Your grace and mercy in our lives.  We come before You Lord, seeking forgiveness for those situations in our life where we have been unrighteous and falsely represented You to others.  Help us to be strong in our actions to ensure that you are presented in the holy, righteous and loving manner You deserve.  In Your name we pray - Amen

             

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