Denying Christ

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. – Mark 14:29-31

As I read this scripture I can imagine Peter’s self-confident expression as he emphatically insists that he would never do such a terrible thing as deny his teacher, Lord and friend. I can also imagine the agreeing head-nodding coming from all the other disciples as they too agree that they would never dream of doing such a thing. It is easy for me to imagine, because I know that if I had been there, I would have done the same thing. “Deny Christ? Never!” I would exclaim. But, although I might exclaim it, like Peter and the rest of the disciples, deep down in my heart I know that on a daily basis I deny Christ in my thoughts, words and deeds.

Lent is a time for us to recognize those times when we have denied Christ in our lives. When we recognize that we are sinners, pride is replaced with humility, and self-reliance is exchanged with a trust in God. Recognition of our denial of Christ also brings us to the same place that Peter found himself, at the foot of the cross. It is at the foot of the cross where we must realize that although we have denied Christ, Christ never denied us. It is at the foot of the cross where we lay down our burdens, lay down our sins, accept God’s forgiveness and are made new again!

Prayer: Forgive me Lord for the times when I deny you in my life. Thank you that although I am unfaithful to you in my sinfulness, you remain faithful to me. Help me in my sinfulness to turn away from those things that deny you and draw me closer to the cross. Amen.

Faith Tip: Go to the foot of the cross today. Confess and repent of the many times that you have denied Jesus and accept God’s forgiveness.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson