Weeping Bitterly

N.T. #296 "Weeping Bitterly"

May 2, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 19 

LET IT GLOW 

Have you ever cried so much and prayed so hard that you were sobbing aloud? Then your tears dried up and stopped flowing? Sobbing turned to silence, words escaped your lips, and the Holy spirit interveened for you. I think Peter experience this, too. 

Who was really on trial here? I tend to think it was Peter, for he failed to remail faithful to Jesus, denying having known Jesus, much less being His follower. Peter even coursed and sweared. (verse 74) Then the rooster crowed at about midnight to 3 am as Jesus predicted. The last blow came in the form of a convicting glance of the Messiah from the balcony of the High Priest's house to Peter. The rebellious sinner called Peter was in need of a Savior's forgiveness, and restoration. What else could Peter do but leave the scene and weep bitterly. 

Bitterly means violently in the Greek language.

Peter didn't just cry, but I see him falling down on his knees, head held in his hands, and sobbing out loud, bitterly and violently, a belly shaking cry. The puffed-up and prideful Peter was a total failure in utter weakness. Did this disciple recall his boasting before the Son of God?  

LET IT GROW 

Wo was on trial-Jesus or Peter, or both? Jesus remained focused on the cross that was before Him. An unfair trial condemned an innocent man.  The Jewish leaders refused to see the obvious-Jesus is God's Son and Ssavior and Messiah.

On the other hand, Peter was guilty, having failed one test after another. His pride, self-assurance of boasting and self-confidence, comparing with others, Can we be honest? At one time or another, we have been like Peter. Left to ourselves, every one of us would follow Peter in his denials. We may have already. 

All we can do is admit our own weakness and we are a sinner. Believe Jesus is God's Son and Savior. Then confess our sins, asking Jesus to forgive us. The loving Savior Jesus forgives and saves us from our sins. He can restore and recover us. 

If not you, then is there someone in your circle of friends and family and neighborhood that needs prayer and salvation. Let God our Father use you to share this Good News.

LET IT GO 

Lord, Jesus, You can take what is broken and put it back together, like our hearts.

We are sinners in need of a Savior.

Please change our hearts and us us to share what You have done for us.

Jesus is the only way to heaven, folks. Do you know Him today?