As the mom of a toddler, I’m well-acquainted with the word “no.” At dinnertime, my son often refuses something I offer him. He even turns the manners I’ve taught him against me by saying, “No, thank you!”
If we’re not careful, our “nos” can become refined denials as we grow up. Although we don’t argue with our parents over dinner anymore, we may tell God “no” when He asks us to share the gospel with a coworker—a silent disowning of our Savior. Or perhaps we don’t trust God to answer our prayers, in essence denying that He knows better than we do. In these moments, we’re denying God.
The Apostle Peter had such a moment, and it’s a famous scene in the familiar Easter story. The same man who had boldly declared Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, NKJV) denied even knowing the Lord.
Not once but three times.
The same man who had boldly declared Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, NKJV) denied even knowing the Lord.
Our Denials Don’t Surprise God.
Did you know Jesus foretold Peter’s denial? In fact, He warned Peter: “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:34).
Peter’s response? Essentially, he told Jesus, “Absolutely not!” Ironically, he denied that he would deny Jesus.
I imagine Jesus’ sad smile. He loved Peter, but He knew Peter would fail. Jesus’ response to this knowledge wasn’t anger or frustration but the opposite. “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’” (Luke 22:31-32).
Did you catch that? Jesus prayed for Peter to endure his testing. Peter’s denial had to pierce Jesus’ heart, but Jesus didn’t accuse Peter. Rather, he reinforced Peter’s faith.
Our Denials Don’t Stop God’s Plans.
In the Bible, the number three often signifies completion. Jonah was three days and nights in the whale’s belly, and Jesus was in the tomb for three days (Jonah 1:17, Matthew 12:40). Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:75).
Why is that number significant? Peter could not excuse his denial as a slip of the tongue. He emphatically, completely denied knowing Jesus.
And yet, Jesus emphatically and completely rose to life after three days in the tomb. Jesus’ resurrection defeated sin and death and hell—and even the bitter despair Peter felt after denying His Lord.
Our denials and our mistakes don’t prevent God’s plans. Rather, the work of Jesus on the cross completely covered our sins and made our restoration possible. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Despite our Denials, God Loves and Restores Us.
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to Peter and the other disciples as they were fishing. When He had shared a meal with them, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” (See John 21:15-17.)
Though Peter likely saw himself as a failure, Jesus saw him as raw material for gospel work. After his restoration, Peter went on to be greatly used by God—and eventually, to die for Him as Jesus predicted (John 21:19).
Though Peter likely saw himself as a failure, Jesus saw him as raw material for gospel work.
When my son turns up his nose at my pulled pork, I don’t throw up my hands and say, “That’s it. I’ll never cook for you again.” Of course not! I keep presenting him with new foods, and people tell me that eventually, he’ll try them. (I guess that’s where faith comes in!)
When we tell God “no” or deny Him in some way, He remains patient with us. He is ready and waiting to restore us—and blessed thought, He still wants to use us, mistakes and all.
Reflection Questions
Is there something in your past or present you think is too big of a failure for God to redeem? What lesson can you apply from Peter’s story to your circumstances?
Maybe someone has offended or denied you in a way that seems unforgivable. How can you take steps to forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)?
Prayer
Dear God,
please forgive me for the ways in which I have failed and denied You. Thank You for dying on the cross to pay the price for my sins and make my restoration with God possible. I accept Your forgiveness and ask You to use me. May my flawed story be one that brings You glory and points others to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1983), 342.