The Chesterfield Advertiser

Sunday School Lesson
(By REV. F. B. FITZWATER, D.D., Dean Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.)
(©, 1927, Western Newspaper Union.)

Lesson for May 1
PETER'S DENIAL AND REPENTANCE

LESSON TEXT—Mark 14:53, 54, 66-71; Luke 22:61, 62.
GOLDEN TEXT—Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

PRIMARY TOPIC—Peter Grieves Jesus and Is Sorry.
JUNIOR TOPIC—The Story of Peter's Disloyalty.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC—How Jesus Is Denied Today.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC—The Danger of Sudden Temptations.

I. Peter's Downfall (Mark 14:29-71).

This began when he refused to hear about the cross and ended when he, with a foul oath, declared: 'I know not the man.' When the disciples would no longer hear Christ's message about the cross, they not only ceased to grow in knowledge, but they began to deteriorate in moral discernment and were exposed to the possibility of the shameful denial of their Lord.

Steps in Peter's backsliding:

1. Overweaning self-confidence (vv. 29-31).

His unwillingness to face the cross alienated him from Jesus and when apprised of the fact that the disciples would all forsake Jesus, Peter declared that Jesus was certainly mistaken, saying: 'Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.' Our condition is most perilous when we are most sure of our safety.

2. Sleeping at the post of duty (v. 37).

In one short hour the very one who was so confident of his self-sufficiency had fallen asleep instead of watching. The only way to escape from backsliding is to watch.

3. Lack of prayer (v. 38).

The legitimate inference from the Lord's words 'watch and pray' is that He had commanded them to pray as well as to watch. The reason there is so little prayer is due to the lack of the sense of need of God's help.

4. Misguided zeal (v. 47).

Peter drew a sword and cut off an ear of a servant of the high priest (John 18:10) when they came to arrest Jesus. He was thus zealous for the Lord. He was trying to make up in outward service his conscious lack of communion.

5. Followed Jesus afar off (v. 54).

Christ's rebuke for taking the sword and the awkward position in which his act had placed him, caused him to follow afar off. He keenly felt Christ's reprimand. Following Jesus afar off got him into trouble.

6. Warmed himself at the enemy's fire (v. 67).

This fire was built by those who had come unsympathetically to witness the crucifixion and even to mock in this tragic hour. For Christ's disciples to try to get comfort from the things prepared for the satisfaction of His enemies is sinful. Many professing Christians are living a life of compromise, even attempting to get pleasures out of the things which the enemies of Christ have prepared for themselves.

7. Open denial (vv. 66-71).

Step by step downward Peter went until the words of a servant girl provoked open and blasphemous denial. This even by one who had said: 'If I should die with thee I will not deny thee in any wise.' Peter's trouble began when he shrank from the cross. It was that shunning which separated him from contact with God. It should be remembered that there can be no backsliding until there be established a position from which to slip. Many of the so-called backsliders have never been born again.

II. The Repentance of Peter (Luke 22:61-62).

1. The look of Jesus (v. 61)

This was a most wondrous look. It was doubtless filled with pity and pain. Christ knew the trials through which Peter and the other disciples would pass and He prayed for them. This look brought to Peter the full consciousness of his cowardice and disloyalty and his blasphemous words of denial, and yet it displayed His pity and forgiving love.

2. Peter's bitter tears (v. 62),

The look of Jesus brought conviction of sin. It called to mind his boastfulness and cowardice. How awful must have been his condition as he went out that night into the darkness, little suspecting that there would be found a way to get back into communion with his Lord. Doubtless the message from the women as they came from the tomb brought the first good cheer to his heart. Christ said to them: 'Go and tell my disciples and Peter.' This encouraged him, no doubt, as it indicated Christ's particular consideration and love for him.

Two Things Needed

There are two things that they need to possess who go on pilgrimage; courage and an unspotted life.—John Bunyan.

Seeing and Talking

Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, that they may see twice as much as they say.—Cotton.

The Holy Ghost

No man is at his best until he is filled with the Holy Ghost.—Echoes.