March 20

PART II.

PETER’S DENIAL OF CHRIST.

Then began he to curse and swear saying, I know not the man.—Matthew 26:74.

PETER’S sin and fall, were doubtless occasioned by the fear of man, which always bringeth a snare. There were however several features in his conduct of a highly aggravated character. To deny Jesus, was of itself exceedingly sinful. To say that he did not know his blessed friend and master, who had called him from his employment as a fisherman, and who had invested him with one of the highest offices in his kingdom, was wicked and ungrateful. Not know Jesus? Why he had been his confidential attendant for years,—he had heard nearly all his discourses,—witnessed all his miracles. His own wife's mother had been restored from a fever by his healing power. He had once been snatched from a watery sepulchre by Christ's hand, when he went to meet him on the sea, and fearing, began to sink. Not know Jesus! Why only a few hours before he had supped with him at the Eucharistic table. Had received from his hands the solemn symbols of his body and blood. Yea more, he had been reminded of his fall, forewarned of the very conduct, he was now evincing. Christ had said that all his disciples should be offended that night, and that before the cock crew twice, Peter should deny him thrice. And this was the greatest aggravation of the sin, that, with the affectionate admonition of Christ still as it were sounding in his ears, through unwatchfulness, he should be guilty of it, to the very letter of the warning he had received. How deeply did he fall, when he could call Jehovah to witness to the awful falsehood. What forgetfulness of that pure example which had been so constantly before his eyes. What ungratefulness to that precious Saviour to whom he was so deeply indebted. And what disloyalty to that royal master, to whom he had pledged himself to go, even unto death. Immediately however the cock crew, and then his criminality was brought to his recollection, at the same time the Lord turned and looked upon Peter,—a look of upbraiding kindness,—a look of pity and compassion for the poor wanderer.

"A look which brake, Unfaithful Peter's heart."

Immediately he went out and wept bitterly. His sin was sudden, and his repentance was direct. His sin was great, his anguish and repentance were deep and bitter. And afterwards we behold him restored to the favour of his Lord, receiving the apostolic commission from his hands, and finally sealing the profession of the gospel with his blood. "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." And let it be ever remembered that a "broken and a contrite heart God will not despise."