Walking with Peter: The Road to Denial pt. 1

Read John 13:1-17

Jesus and disciples share their last meal together. Sometime during the meal, Jesus got up, took off his robe, put a towel around his waist, poured water in a basin, and proceeded to wash the disciples’ feet.

1. As Jesus was about to wash Peter’s feet, Peter questioned Him. Why? Peter was astonished; taken aback by what Jesus was doing. The master is not to perform menial tasks for the servant.

Jesus explained to Peter that he does not understand what He is doing now, but Peter will in the future.

2. vs. 7-9 - How would you characterize Peter’s responses to Jesus? What does his responses say about Peter? Two interpretations - a) expression of unworthiness (similar to the second meeting between Jesus and Peter when told Jesus to go away from him for he was a sinful man); show of loyal devotion. b) hint of pride/arrogance - Dictating to Jesus. Telling Jesus what He could and could not do. Hearkens back to Peter’s rebuke of Jesus. “This will never happen to you!”

Perhaps a mixture of both. What you do hear from Peter’s lips is a desire to be totally one with Christ. Peter’s words were heard by Jesus and the other disciples.

Reason why Jesus washed the disciples feet – Teach them humility. To be a leader you must be willing to serve others no matter how trivial/menial it may seem.

The footwashing lesson was perhaps prompted by a dispute among the disciples that occurred during Jesus’ last meal with them. (Luke 22:24-30). The twelve argued among themselves over whom would be the greatest when Jesus established His kingdom … who will be Jesus’ number one guy in the kingdom. After explaining and showing the disciples what it means to be the greatest, Jesus shares something with Peter.

Read - Luke 22:31-34

3. vs. 31 Read Amplified, NASB, & NIV - What did Jesus say to Peter? The “you” in this verse is plural. Sift – to shake in a sieve - an instrument with a meshed or perforated bottom, used for separating coarse matter from fine parts of loose matter. Example Jesus used – separating coarse/hard grain from fine grain. What imagery comes to your mind? What did Satan want to do? Separate Peter and the other disciples from Jesus.

To whom do you think Satan was making these demands? God the Father. Why? He wanted to make it harder for Jesus to follow through with the Plan. Similar to Job’s story. “God, if you take this from Job, this from Job, this from Job, … he’ll curse you to your face.” Perhaps same with Jesus. “God, if you let me remove Jesus’ closest companions, I’ll bet then He won’t obey you.”

4. vs. 32 - What did Jesus say He was doing? The “you” in this verse is singular referring to Peter. Jesus is praying for Peter that his faith would not fail, that it would not die. Faith in what? Peter’s faith in Jesus. That no matter what Peter would see and hear Jesus experience in the coming hours. No matter what Peter himself would experience in the coming hours, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith in Him as the Messiah, the Son of God and faith in himself would not completely vanish.

What did He say would happen to Peter? Turn back from what? At some point, Peter would fall away. He would fail in keeping his commitments to Jesus. The Enemy will jump all over him. Despite all that Peter, as we’ll see later, will not lose faith in Jesus or himself. Peter will have doubts about himself. Am I still worthy of Christ? Am I really a rock? But, Peter will never completely lose faith in Jesus or himself. (Unlike Judas, who after betraying Jesus, regretted his decision. Rather than seek God’s forgiveness and forgiving himself, Judas gave in to his despair, lost all faith in himself to be redeemed, and chose to take his own life.) At some point, Peter would get back on track. What did He want Peter to do afterwards? Strengthen/renew the faith of his fellow disciples.

5. Why did Jesus share all this with Peter? Giving Peter warning, encouragement, and instructions. Why not James, John, or Andrew? Peter was his man to lead the church. Peter’s responsibility to lead and look after the brothers. Did Jesus believe his prayer would be answered? Absolutely! Jesus says “when you turn back”, not “if”.

6. vs. 33 - What was Peter’s reply? Do you think Peter meant what he said? Yes.

7. How would you characterize Peter’s response? Why did he respond this way? Jesus seemed to be questioning Peter’s loyalty/devotion to Him. There would be no need for him to “turn back” because Peter would never turn away from Jesus. Peter - “I know me better than you know me, Jesus!”

8. vs. 34- What did Jesus say Peter would do? Why do you think Jesus tells Peter this? Perhaps to show Peter the real Simon Peter. Peter had this image of himself. Believes himself to be fiercely devoted to Christ. Very vocal about it. But when the time comes to act, will he stand strong or fold under the pressure? What did Peter believe? Jesus knew the true Peter. When the pressure is on, Peter will crack. Ex. Walking on water incident. Do you think Peter was the type of person you could sit down and explain/share things about himself to? He couldn’t explain it to Peter because he was too thick-headed. Peter had to learn the truth about himself the hardway. Peter had to look at himself in the mirror, see his faults/weaknesses. A lesson that he would never, ever forget. This lesson would further mold Peter into the rock Jesus knew him to be.

9. Mark 14:31 - What was Peter’s response? Read NIV, NASB, Amplified. Peter repeatedly told Jesus in a determined voice that he would never deny Jesus. The disciples? Followed Peter’s example. Did Peter and the disciples mean what they said? Absolutely yes!