Sin -> Shame -> Restoration

Take care of the flock

Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 21

We cannot read the shameful behavior of Peter without it resonating in our souls. How many times do we say “I won’t deny,” but then we do? We deny by our words, our mannerisms, and our choices. Jesus warned Peter that he would deny, but just like us, he vehemently said, “I won’t.” But the proof is in the pudding, he did deny, and we do as well.

It is in the next step that we want to focus on. Judas betrayed but did not exhibit shame like Peter. How often do we hide behind our shame like Judas? How often do we exhibit shame in our tears as Peter did? What caused the difference? Judas never saw the eyes of Jesus, but Peter did. The eyes tell us the heart of the individual, and as Jesus looked at Peter, the soul of Peter crashed. It was in that moment that his bravado turned to his bitterness of shame, and he wept.

But then the grace of our Lord sought to restore Peter on that day in Galilee by the seashore. As he denied Jesus three times, Jesus would restore him with three questions: Do you love me, Peter? With each question, Peter had to determine his love quotient. In his shame, he had to walk through those questions, and we do as well. Do we love Jesus? Then Jesus tells us to feed his lambs, shepherd his sheep, feed his sheep and follow Him.

Where are you today?

“Truly, Truly, Today…..”

 

two thieves

A day like no other, a sin so grievous, and yet “Father, Forgive them, they know not what they do” comes from the lips of our Savior as he experiences the unforgivable . As Jesus hears those whom God has given the precious privilege of leading the people to God shouting “CRUCIFY HIM” we are reminded that the enemies of God “feign obedience” to Him. [Ps 66].

Pilate asks the accusers “Why what evil has he done?” because  in his heart he knew that these had handed Jesus over to him out of envy. But, wishing to satisfy the crowd and the religious leaders, he chose to release a notorious criminal and order the crucifixion of the Holy One. They took Jesus to Golgotha and there crucified him and with him two robbers, one on the right and the other on the left.

The rebellious heart of the first is revealed as he challenges Jesus to come down from the cross, saving himself and him. The second rebukes the first with these words: “Do you not fear God since you are under the same condemnation and we indeed justly?” In those few words this one admitted his sin and sought forgiveness: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Jesus died that you might live. What is your choice?

 

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