Two Words, Infinite Grace - Grace Is Amazing (Because We Aren't)

“Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

From the human perspective, Peter blew it.

He was a bold one, charging ahead, seemingly without concern, the proverbial “bull in a china shop” with his own foot fixed firmly in his mouth. Misspeaking was common, his overstepping of bounds was likely expected, and if one knew him, his generally brash demeanor would come as no big surprise. Peter was quick to say exactly what was on his mind at any given moment. But then he went too far, even for himself.

Jesus had been taken captive and the mock trial before his crucifixion had begun. There, in the courtyard of the high priest, Peter was warming himself by a fire (John 18:18). And it was there that the accusations against Peter began from the bystanders…

“This man was with him too.”

“You are one of them too!”

“Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.”

Just a little while earlier, Peter had proclaimed that he would never fall away from Jesus. In the presence of Jesus, he had “said emphatically, ‘If I must die with you, I will not deny you’” (Mark 14:31). Now, later the same night, when faced with potential harm in being identified as a follower of Christ, Peter began to protest when the accusations came. Ultimately, he swore to those around him and said, “I do not know the man” (Matthew 26:74).

The one Peter walked upon stormy waves to meet.

The one Peter watched raise the dead.

The one Peter himself had proclaimed to be the very Son of God.

And yet he said, “I do not know the man.”

Only in the book of Luke do we find a little detail about the response of Jesus to this denial: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61). No words, no head-shaking — just a look. Peter’s response was to leave and weep bitterly over his actions.

How many times do we do the same? Given an opportunity to stand for Christ, we take the fearful way out. When confronted with an opportunity to be bold in our beliefs, we opt for a timid response. Presented with a temptation, we say “no” to Christ instead of denying ourselves.

When we sin and experience failure, it is easy to believe that we have blown it for good. We think there is no coming back from that kind of mistake. Given the intensity of moments of shame, we might sometimes make statements such as, “I know God forgives me, but I can never forgive myself.” Yet nowhere in the Bible do we find the necessity of “forgiving oneself.” Guilt and shame are not ended by self-forgiveness, but by receiving fully the forgiveness offered by Christ.

An opportunity for restoration is available to us, just as to Peter.

When the women who first entered the tomb of Jesus found it empty, an angel told them that he had risen from the dead. Then the angel gave them a command, “Go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee” (Mark 16:7).

“And Peter…”

Only two words yet packed with infinite grace.

“And Peter...”

A statement of mercy offered to a disciple torn by his past actions. Peter was singled out in the message and shown that even in his denial, Christ would never deny him. Forgiveness was available and free.

“And Peter…”

Jesus had not forgotten him.

Where is it that you have failed? How have you denied Christ by your actions, words, or attitude? What weighs heavy on your heart as a mistake of epic proportions?

Maybe you need to write your name in the space where Peter’s name was and be reminded that you can experience the mercy offered after a hurtful mistake, an ill-spoken word or a tragic sin. He has not forgotten you, so remember his grace.

“And __________________...”

Reflection:

1. Read Colossians 1:21-22. What are the words used to describe a follower of Christ who has been reconciled to him?
2. Why does our personal guilt often seem stronger than God’s grace?
3. What is one change you will make today to better remember and embrace the grace of God extended to you in Christ?