When Others Fall​

(Peter)

by David G. Rose

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In recent days, some mighty ministers of the Gospel have been caught in indiscretions. It is always a shock to hear of moral failures, but as it says in Romans 3:23 KJV, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

While we rightfully should hold ministers to a high Biblical standard, it is fully possible for them to fail. Satan hates the ministry and whenever possible, will attack even the most seasoned minister when a weakness is detected. Age and education is no barrier to the insidious Devil. 

Which brings us to the surprising moral failure of one of Christ’s most outspoken disciples. Peter was known for his brash statements and vocal support for Jesus. You may recall Peter’s bold statement to Jesus in Matthew 26:35 KJV, “Though I should die with thee, will I not deny thee.” But later in that same chapter we read in verse 72, “And again [Peter] denied with an oath, I do not know the Man.”

We can all criticize Peter, but deep down, most of will admit that we have the same fragilities. Let’s take a deeper look at Peter’s failure and see if we are more like him than we care to admit.

There were two main causes for Peter’s fall and denial. The first was over-confidence. He had been with Jesus, He had seen miracles, and changed lives. He may have felt that all this experience somehow shielded him from temptation. Obviously, he was wrong. Satan saw an opening and attacked at the most critical time in his life.

Another prime cause of Peter’s denial was fear. He knew that if he identified with Jesus, he would face the ridicule of the vicious crowd. But also, he was afraid that he may have been arrested, too. After all, Peter had taken a sword and assaulted Malchus, the servant of the High Priest Caiaphas (Luke 22:50-51). 

And yet, Peter should have been better prepared. After all, he was an experienced apostle. And further, Jesus had sternly warned him of the possibility of failure. He had recently received the Lord’s Supper and heard the teachings and prophecies of coming events. Besides, Peter could see that Jesus was suffering and needed support and care. But in all of that, he failed. 

In this situation with Peter, we easily see that one sin often leads to another. First Peter said that he was not with Jesus, then he denied with an oath! This led to profanity that totally overwhelmed the assurances he had given to Jesus earlier. All the good that Peter had seen and done before, was covered by this moral failure. Sad, but all too common. 

The Apostle Peter would later write in 1 Peter 5:8 BSB, “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Indeed! He learned this from personal experience.

Remmber the sober warning found in 1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Next week: Deserters
 

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