DCLM Search The Scripture Youth For June 4, 2023 : Topic – PETER DENIES CHRIST
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LESSON 64
PETER DENIES CHRIST
Texts: Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:31-34, 54-62
Memory verse: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou
Sayest. And he went out into the Cock Crew (Mark 14:67,68).
The should serve as warning to all believers. Simon Peter was he denial of Christ by Peter is one of such events that one of the disciples that witnessed Christ’s transfiguration and other striking events that happened to Christ, and yet, the prophecy came to him at the Passover that he will deny Him.lt reveals that there is no level of spiritual attainment and close relationship with Christ that can guarantee eternal security.
Question 1: What are some of the predictions of Christ at the Passover?
“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad” (Matthew 26:31).At the Passover, Christ revealed thatLa) He would be arrested that same night; (b) His arrest would make His disciples to desert Him; Peter would deny Him thrice before the cock crow twice.Jesus was very specific about these predictions. Unfortunately, instead of paying close attention and praying for divine help against this negative prediction, Peter displayed an attitude of overconfidence. Christian youths should avoid self-confidence and always ask the Lord for grace to follow through. We should “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”(1 Peter 5:8).
CHRIST PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL (Matthew 26:31,32; Luke 22:31-36; Mark 14:27-31;John 16:32; 1:36-38; Zechariah 13:7)
Jesus is an Omniscient being, He knows the end from the beginning and nothing is hidden from Him. He predicted what will happen to Him few hours after the Supper, but His disciples did not heed His warnings.
Question 2: Mention other predictions of Christ in the Scripture.
There are several predictions of Christ in the Scripture. These are: (1) His own betrayal by one of His. Disciples (Matthew 26:21-25; Luke 22:47,48): (2) that all His disciples would desert Him (Matthew 26:31,32); (3) that He would suffer from the religious rulers (Matthew 16:21): (4) that He would die in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21); (5) His resurrection from the dead after three days (John 2:18-22)L6) the descent of the Holy Spirit on the believers after His ascension (John 14:26); (7) the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1,2). Jesus did not hide the truth about His trial and betrayal from the disciples. A true fellowship is expected to reveal the truth of things that pertain to life and things that should prepare them for a glorious destiny. As we continue in fellowship with God, we are warned of the things that will displease God and His will.
Question 3: What should have been the attitude of Peter towards Christ’s prediction?
“But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I “(Mark 14:29). When Christ told Peter that he will deny Him, he was boastful instead of taking heed to this divine warning and resorting to prayer and sobriety. This made the negative prediction to come upon him unawares. Christian youths should learn from Peter’s fall by not despising the counsel of their godly parents, guardians and leaders in the church (Ephesians 6:1). Like Peter, any youth who rejects godly counsel, thinking that he has come of age, will regret and blame himself tomorrow.
PETER DENIES CHRIST (Matthew 26:69-74;Luke 22:59,60; Mark 14:55-71;John 18:15-18;,25-27)
After the arrest of Christ, Peter took courage to follow afar off while many other disciples fled for fear. He even entered the palace where Christ was being tried. This was commendable. He exhibited an act of faithfulness to Christ even in that perilous time. We are in the last days where many churches are upholding different contradicting doctrines all in the name of Christ. Christian youths should not be like those other fearful disciples who forsook their Lord at such a trying time. We should remain where the truth exists, as we stand our ground against the evil tides of the last days. This is the only way for us to, make it to heaven at the end of our toils on earth.
Question 4:Why did Peter follow Christ afar off after His arrest and what is the implication?
“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off” (Luke 22:54). Peter walked afar off because he was afraid of being arrested too, which led to the beginning of his backsliding. When a Christian youth loses his confidence in Christ and is ashamed to identify with Him, the fear of man takes preeminence in his heart “Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of that man’s disciples? He saith, Il am not”(John 18:17). Peter allowed fear to erase all the boldness that he displayed at the feast of Passover, that even a maid could make him deny his Master.
Question 5: What are the ways Christian youths deny Christ today?
There are so many ways by which a Christian youth can deny Christ today. Some of them include: (a) going back to the world; (b) forsaking the way of truth and falling into error or false worship; (c) indulging in the works of the flesh because of persecution or fear of men, etc. Christ declares that “lf we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12).
PETERS REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION (Luke 22:61- 62; Matthew 26:41,75;Luke. 15:18-24; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 17:30; John 6:37)
“And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).After Peter had denied Jesus thrice before the cock crowed twice, Jesus looked at him and he remembered the prediction of Christ.
Question 6: Why did Christ look at Peter after his third denial?
The look of Jesus at the third denial of Peter was to remind him of His prediction and his overconfidence. It was a look that assures Peter that Christ is still mighty to save and forgive. At the time of His sorrowful trial, Christ still had the time to remind Peter of His faithfulness to show mercy through His compassionate look. Backsliders can return to the Lord today’ as they humble themselves and pray for restoration because He is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Question 7: What was the response of Peter after Christ’s compassionate look?
When Peter saw Christ’s look, he remembered the prediction of Christ, then he went into a solitary place to seek the face of the Lord and wept bitterly. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death’(2 Corinthians 7:10). This is the true repentance that God is expecting from every backslider and sinning youths. The events after Christ’s ascension showed that Peter truly repented. Therefore, every Christian youth should bring forth fruits meet unto repentance. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”(1 Corinthians 10:12).