Did you notice there are at least three separate emphases in these few verses? Firstly, there is Christ's desire that God will be glorified. Secondly, his commandment to us all to love one another. Lastly, his very clear warning to Peter. Each one of these three points has deep meaning for us, but today let's look briefly at the last words, the warning to Peter. It seems a pity that we remember Peter almost as much by his denial as we do by his mighty work after Pentecost. His restoration is one of the most encouraging stories in the New Testament. But why did that denial ever take place? Here are three possible reasons: Peter was foolishly self-confident. He meant every word he said (v. 37) but he didn't know his own weaknesses. He didn't realise how suddenly fear of man can take hold of us and bring us down. Then when Christ was taken prisoner in the Garden, Peter did not openly put himself close to Christ, but followed 'afar off' according to Mark 14:54. We know ourselves when we are not close to Christ, we often fail too when temptation comes. The final reason was that when he found himself at a fire among those who were the enemies of Christ, their company proved too much for him. When they questioned him and accused him of being Christ's disciple, the terrible words of denial flowed from his lips before he could stop them. Think carefully over those three reasons. Do any of them apply to you, to me? Are any of them the explanation of failure in our lives? If so they have a message for us today that is a solemn warning to us even as Christ warned Peter so long ago. REMEMBER: Peter found forgiveness when he came face to face with his risen Saviour and Lord.
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