“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.”

Introduction: Have you ever made a statement that you would NEVER do something…..and you did it? All of us perhaps have done the same thing as Peter. Question: Are you following Jesus CLOSE, or Far AWAY?

Andrew brings Peter to Jesus.

“40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:40-42)

The SANDMAN was turned into the ROCKMAN!

1. Consider Peter’s Declaration! 

But first, listen to Jesus who tried to forewarn Peter.

“31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31,32)

Peter responds in the flesh.

33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

Peter had good intentions, but like us, he had to learn the lesson you cannot depend upon the FLESH! It profits nothing.

Praise the Lord because the Holy Spirit has made provisions for the Flesh!
(Rom 8:1-13)

2. Look at Peter’s Devastation! 

“55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.” (Luke 22:55-60)

Strike 1! Strike 2! Strike 3!
You’re OUT!!

But Peter gets another bat.

3. Look at Peter’s Determination!

“61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62)

Peter’s godly sorrow led to genuine repentance. He made a change! Read and Listen to the ROCKMAN on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts.