We are continuing this series entitled: “No Turning Back.” Jesus, on many occasions during His ministry invited people to become His followers ... .and whenever He gave an invitation to follow, He tells them that they must take up their cross and follow Him.
Today, in appreciation of Valentine's Day this week I have a message entitled: “ I Love You More!” You may recall saying to your loved one at some time: “I love you” and the other person would say “I love you more” and then you would say “I love you most” and then they would say “I love you to the moon!”
What are we trying to say with such outlandish phrases? That we love and cherish that person with all our hearts, our love is beyond measure. What about our love and devotion for Jesus? What do we mean when we sing the song - “I love you more than gold or silver”?
Now, if you were to pick a disciple most likely to succeed and least likely to fall away, it would probably be Peter. He was confident and assured in His love for Christ. But sometimes our strength can be our weakness; when we are tested, that area that seems to be so strong is like kryptonite. So it was in the life of Peter on the night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Let's look at the testing that's going on in Peter's love for his Savior. Jesus had been arrested and taken to the palace of the high priest…Peter had followed at a distance. Jesus is now at the Palace of the High Priest. And Peter is in the courtyard…he is backing off - not quite so vocal or self-assured. He’s becoming a fringe Christian.
John 18:18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
The Bible says he stood with them, some of the same people who had arrested Jesus, he stood with them warming himself around the fire. He's blending in; hoping not to be noticed. Hoping not to be drawn out, he doesn't want to be recognized as a follower…... he wants to be inconspicuous.
All of this leads to Peter denying Jesus - 3 times - “he's busted”. Jesus had told him he would; but he didn't believe it; he thought his love was solid; he would never turn back and deny his Lord. But in spite of the “I love you more” assertions by Peter, he loved the opinions and approval of others more. He loved the praise of man; more than the praise of God. And he actually feared man more than he feared God. But in spite of his failure, Jesus was there to restore him and get him back on the right track.
John 21:15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
Peter chose to say to his Lord: “You know I love You, Lord” - and even if it costs me my life next time, I mean it from the depths of my heart.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “I Love You More! ”
Blessings,
Kevin
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