Sunday, April 5, 2009

Peter and the Risen Christ

Monday, April 6, 2009: Matthew 26:74

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Background: When Jesus Christ was awaiting trial, Peter went cautiously to see events as they unfolded. He was recognized as one of the disciples, but denied the accusations.

How did Peter hope to prove that he did not know the Lord? Peter cursed and swore, a trait missing in Christ’s disciples.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009: John 21:6-7a

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.

Background: After the resurrection, Peter and John made an attempt to go back to fishing and caught nothing all night.

How did John recognize the Lord? John recognized the miracle, not the Man.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009: John 21:18-19

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Background: After asking Peter to ‘feed My lambs,’ Jesus Christ prophesied about Peter’s death.

Did the repentant Peter follow his Lord? Peter, knowing how he would die, nevertheless followed his Lord.

Thursday, April 9, 2009: Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Background: after the day of Pentecost, Peter addressed thousands. Some of them were the very ones who crucified the Lord.

What was Peter’s change? Peter boldly declared Jesus to be Lord and Christ, the promised Messiah.

Friday, April 10, 2009: Acts 4:10, 12

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Background: Peter healed a lame man who begged at the temple and was brought before the leaders of his people to answer.

What was Peter’s bold declaration? Peter stated that they crucified Jesus Christ, that God raised Him, and in His name the lame beggar was healed.

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