Roosters and Reminders

Luke 22:61-61says:

“And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.’  And Peter went out and wept bitterly.”

 

Why did Jesus even bother to tell Peter that he was going to deny that he knew Jesus?

• To prove the vastness of His love.  If I give my love to someone only with the hope that they will in turn honor me, love me, and be faithful to me, I have just given them conditional love…A love that lasts only so long as certain conditions are met.  Jesus wanted Peter to see that his love was unconditional.  Peter didn’t have to prove anything, say the right words, or live a certain way to earn the love of the Son of God…AND NEITHER DO YOU!!!  He loves you just because you ARE you.

Why did Peter weep bitterly?

• Love like Christ has for you and me does not come from too many places.  At the moment the rooster crowed and Jesus looked into Peter’s eyes, Peter understood this love at a deeper level than he ever had before. 
• Jesus knew Peter would be tempted.  Even after telling him this, Jesus gave Peter two chances to prepare himself for the test.  In Luke 22:40,46 he told Peter to pray to avoid temptation.
• At this point in my life, it’s Christ’s love for me, not the threat of punishment, that keeps me living right.  I just don’t want to let Him down.  But if, and when I do, I know that unconditional love will be right there wating on me!

 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!