The Power of Denial

Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”  Matthew 26:34

                    "The Denial of Peter"     James Tissot

This is one of the most haunting lines in Scripture. Peter, desperate to prove his allegiance to Jesus, promises never to disavow his Lord, and yet Jesus speaks truth.  “Truly I tell you….”   Sadly, Peter believes to his very core that he would never deny Jesus, and yet, we know that on that very night, Peter does exactly that – three times. Our Lord always speaks truth.  

What of us? When and how have we denied Jesus? Is it when we turn a blind eye to injustices observed? Or when we “refuse to get involved” because something doesn’t directly affect us?  Or is it simply when we mask our allegiance to Christ in order to get that promotion or to be better liked?  Peter did it, and so have we all.  

This approaching Holy Week is a time to bring our hearts closer to God, a time to confess the times we have denied Jesus by our thoughts, words and deeds. Join me as we do the important work of transforming our hearts and minds before the cross.

The Lord has need of us.