Title: Lost and Forsaken / Matthew 26:69-75
What was lost and what was thrown away
Key Verse: “Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said, Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” (Matthew 26:75)
Word: In the text of the text, the disciples did not lose the Lord by mistake, but intentionally abandoned them. Then why did you intentionally forsake the Lord and run away? There is a cause.
First, because the disciples depended on him. “Even if all have forsaken you, I will not forsake you” (26:33), the word ‘I’ should be noted here. It means to follow the Lord with my strength, my will, and my determination to lead a life of faith. But following the Lord is not of our will or determination. True faith depends not on my will, but on the strength of the Lord.
Second, the disciples did not pray. “When I prayed, I did not pray on the excuse that I was physically tired” (verses 40-41). This was the fatal motive for falling. If there is one essential thing in the life of faith, it is prayer. Jesus also showed a life of prayer. Before starting his ministry, Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days. He got up in the morning and prayed. Occasionally, he prayed all night under the night dew. The Lord's whole life was prayer. But the disciples slept at the time they were supposed to pray.
Third, it is because the disciples have grown too far away from the Lord. “Peter followed Jesus from a distance, and these words came out” (26:58) A problem occurred between us and the Lord.
When the Lord performed miracles, healed countless sick people, and cast out demons, the disciples who shrugged at the Lord's side hid their identities and followed the Lord as if they were spectators.
Finally, we realize two things in Peter's face of regret. ① We must remember the Word (verse 75). Peter wept as he remembered the word of the Lord. ② You must come out (verse 75 or less). Peter remembered the words and ran outside. We too must run out of the field of unbelief quickly, from the field where Satan is staying, from the field where we are sinning. May your life be such a faith that depends more on the Lord and prays to Him.
Prayer: God! I want to draw closer to God. Help me to live a victorious life by relying more on You, praying, awake and walking with You. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer