“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

It was a bold announcement made by Peter to Jesus. “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” (Matthew 26:33) He followed it, by another statement. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:35) In the garden, Peter did make a stand. “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)” (John 18:10) With this bravado and stand, Peter seemed to be willing to make good on his statement.

Later Peter would be following Jesus from a distance when a servant girl asked this question. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” (John 18:17a) Unlike the bravado and boldness before Jesus, Peter answers her by saying, “I am not.” (John 18:17b) People had gathered around a fire to warm themselves that evening and Peter joined them. Noticing him, the people asked, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” Peter’s response, “I am not.” (John 18:25) Now a relative of Malchus, one of the high priest’s servants came up to Peter and said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” (John18:26) Now recognized as one with Jesus, Peter, who had been so bold, again denied Jesus. Peter was ashamed to be recognized as one who followed Jesus.

Then it happened just as Jesus said it would, “at that moment a rooster began to crow.” (John 18:27) Peter turned and saw Jesus and “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the words the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’” (Luke 22:61) Shame now covered Peter “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62)

All of us as believers can relate to Peter, when we have had the opportunity to tell of our love of Jesus and have failed. Times where we could make a stand as a follower of Jesus Christ and did nothing. It is at these times where we need to learn from Paul, who gave us reasons to not be ashamed. We are not ashamed because we have come to know the power of God. It is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16) It is only through Jesus that salvation is offered. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It is through salvation brought to us by Jesus that sinful man can know God’s righteousness. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21) It all comes to us by faith which brings life and transformation. “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22)

While Peter may have felt shame for his actions as Jesus prepared to go to the cross, after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter would now stand before the crowd at Pentecost and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. . .. Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:36, 38-39)

Even when we have had times of failure, we can remember that God is changing us just as He changed Peter. He is developing all of us to be His ambassadors to world in need of salvation though Jesus Christ. May we not be ashamed.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block