Do you guys remember the story in Matthew 26 where the last supper had just finished, and the disciples follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane to where Jesus asked only Peter, James, and John to follow him in a little farther? When they got to where Jesus wanted to stop, He asked his disciples to pray, then Jesus left them to go pray on his own. Matthew 26:40-41 tells us, “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
It wasn’t long after that Jesus was captured and the disciples all fled but Peter stayed somewhat close to see what was happening to Jesus. He sees that Jesus is being beaten and falsely accused of things he did not do or say. It was about this same time that Peter was noticed and asked if he was a follower of this Jesus fellow to where he ultimately denied him three times. In the early verses of chapter 26, Peter tells Christ that he will never deny him and yet here he is denying him three times.
Brothers and sisters, we all do things that we think we would never do and are ashamed of it. Thank God for the rest of the story where Christ died upon that cross for our sins so that we can be forgiven. God loves you and if you believe in Jesus and are truly sorry for what you’ve done, then give it to God and be forgiven.
I think it’s pretty cool how in John 21:15-17 Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” three time,s and Peter says, “Yes Lord, you know I do.” “Then go and feed my sheep,” Jesus says.
I believe this was Jesus’ way of saying, “I know you love me, Peter, and I know you are ashamed of what you’ve done, but I also know that because of this you are stronger so from this point on follow me and feed my sheep.”
Church, don’t forget that you need to forgive yourselves also, and when you do, remember there is more to do, “Go and feed His sheep.”
Blessings to you all.
