November 2, 2025 - Denial vs Dedication

MARK 14:53-65

MATTHEW 26:57-68

MARK 14:66-72

MATTHEW 26:69-75

LUKE 22:54-65

JOHN 18:25-27

MARK 15:1

MATTHEW 27:1-2

LUKE 22:66-71

MATTHEW 27:3-10

Chronological Bible Readings

^{Mark 14:72} And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

Reading these all together I am struck by the denials. Not Just Peter's denial this time. But the oppositions denial.

^{Mark 14:62} Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶³ Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? ⁶⁴ You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

⁶⁵ Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.

We know that Peter's denial comes from the fear that they will arrest him too. I think he also wants to be able to stay as close by as possible and admitting who he is could make them drag him away. He doesn't deny who Jesus is he denies who he is. A disciple of Jesus. I'm glad that they don't ask him "Do you think He is the Messiah?". But his response when he recognizes what he did was not just to cry but the word used to describe his crying is sobbing. His response expresses his grief over his denial and shows the truth of his heart. But then we look at the denial of the opposition. They arrest Jesus. People come and lie about Him. Which lies are a form of denial. But then when they couldn't get what they needed they ask Him if He is the Messiah. He does not deny it in fact Marks gospel says that He admits and uses an "I am" statement to affirm that He is. I believe that thy were also reacting in fear. Fear that Jesus really was the Messiah. Fear because His teachings opposed them. Fear that the people were going to trust in Him and stop living in subservience to their leadership. Fear that they were going to lose the power and prestige they had worked so hard to earn in their own eyes. And their reaction reveals the truth of their hearts as well. They call Him a blasphemer, sentence Him to death and spit on Him and beat Him and make fun of Him. There are not tears. There are cheers and jeers.

After Jesus raises from the dead Peter's response changes. He is empowered and bold to speak truth. And the opposition doesn't change at all.

In fact, the opposition to Christ and His people hasn't changed to this day. We see lie after lie being propagated against Christianity and Jesus teaching and the word of God. When biblical truth is spoken it is called hate speech, intolerant, ignorant, foolish, and worthy of death. Look at all the martyrs of the faith over the years. That's how Christians have been treated since the start. Look at the death of Stephen in Acts. He didn't deserve it, but they publicly murdered him and instead of it discouraging people his response and his words given by the Spirit of God encouraged more people to turn to Christ. That has happened over and over again through the years. It was no different with Charlie Kirk except now we have media and massive means to spread the truth of God's word. When he who spoke truth was brutally murdered they cheered. They applauded and celebrated. But what they had meant for evil God is using for good.

Now we can see what happens when we don't deny the truth. Jesus did not deny who He was because He would remain sinless and He had surrendered to the will of the Father to go to the cross. We know the rest of the story of how that changed the world. After Jesus is resurrected the disciples faith is secured and they no longer deny who Jesus is or who they are in Jesus. They are willing to suffer for the truth and God uses their faithfulness to continue to change the world for Christ. It is no different for us now. Charlie Kirk was a great example of that. He never denied his faith in Christ and was willing to die for it. His wife, family, friends and students are more dedicated now than ever to make sure that Jesus is not denied but loudly proclaimed trusting that God will use it all for His glory and our good.

What about you? Does your actions and words reveal a heart of dedication to Christ that is willing to live a "Not my will but Yours" life? Or are you living a life of denial. If you are still living in fear of the opposition look at Jesus and His example. Look at His resurrection. He really is who He says He is which means that those who put their faith in Him really will live for eternity with Him. Don't let your fear of things of human origin and human limitation silence you or stop you from living truth. Look at the dedicated passionate believers of the past who boldly stood for Christ in the face of opposition and see the amazing things that God did with it. That is the result of living a life of dedication compared to a life of denial.