What Does It Mean to Honour Your Father and Mother?

The command to honour one’s father and mother is among the most foundational moral instructions in Scripture. First given in the Ten Commandments, it is later reaffirmed in the New Testament as a continuing moral obligation for God’s people. Yet, despite its familiarity, this command is often misunderstood, misapplied, or extended beyond its biblical intent. A careful examination of Scripture shows that honouring parents involves appreciation, respect, proper submission, and provision, while also recognising clear boundaries established by God.

The Biblical Foundation of Honour

The fifth commandment states, “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”

To “honour” carries the idea of giving weight, value, and due regard. It is not merely an external act, but an inward posture expressed through attitudes, speech, and conduct. Scripture consistently presents honour as something that flows from gratitude and reverence, rather than fear or compulsion.

The New Testament reinforces this command, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise).”

This shows that honour remains relevant under the New Covenant, though obedience is explicitly framed as being “in the Lord,” indicating a higher authority governing all human relationships.

Appreciating One’s Parents

Honouring father and mother includes genuine appreciation. Parents are instruments through whom God gives life, nurture, instruction, and care. Even when parents are imperfect, their role remains significant. Appreciation may be expressed through gratitude, patience, forgiveness, and acknowledgement of sacrifices made.

This does not require idealising parents or ignoring their failures. Rather, it reflects a recognition of God’s design for family and a willingness to show grace, just as believers have received grace from God.

Accepting Parental Authority Within God’s Design

During childhood and adolescence, honour includes obedience to parental authority. Scripture clearly teaches that children are to submit to their parents’ guidance and discipline. This authority is real, but it is not unlimited.

Parental authority is delegated, not absolute, temporary, not lifelong in the same form, subordinate to God’s authority.

As children mature and form their own households, the nature of the relationship changes. The Bible teaches that a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife. Honour continues, but authority shifts. Adult children are no longer under parental rule, though they remain under obligation to respect and care for their parents.

Treating Parents with Respect

Respect is central to honour. This includes speaking to parents with dignity. Avoiding contempt, ridicule, or abusive language. Listening thoughtfully, even when disagreement exists.

Respect does not require agreement in all matters, nor silence in the face of wrongdoing. One may respectfully disagree, set boundaries, and even confront sin when necessary, while still maintaining a posture of honour.

Providing for Parents in Need

Scripture strongly emphasises practical care for ageing or needy parents. Providing for them materially, emotionally, and relationally is a tangible expression of honour.

The Bible condemns those who claim religious devotion while neglecting their responsibility to care for their parents. Honouring father and mother therefore includes ensuring they are not abandoned or disregarded in their later years, when they may be most vulnerable.

Common Misconceptions About Honouring Father and Mother

1. “To honour your father and mother, you must let them control your marriage.”

This is a misunderstanding of biblical honour. While parental wisdom and counsel should be valued, marriage decisions belong to the individual before God. Scripture teaches that marriage establishes a new primary human relationship. Allowing parents to control one’s marriage is not required by Scripture and can, in some cases, undermine God’s design for marital unity.

Honour involves respect and consideration, not surrendering marital authority to parents.

2. “Your father and mother have ultimate authority over your life.”

Only God has ultimate authority. Parental authority is real but limited. When parental demands conflict with God’s commands, obedience to God must take precedence. This principle is clearly established throughout Scripture.

Honouring parents never requires disobedience to God, participation in sin, or the violation of conscience informed by Scripture.

3. “Honouring your father and mother requires you to follow their religious beliefs.”

Honour does not mean adopting the faith, theology, or religious practices of one’s parents. Each individual is personally accountable before God. While children should respect their parents’ beliefs and avoid unnecessary offence, faith cannot be inherited or imposed.

Scripture calls believers to remain faithful to God, even when family members disagree. Honouring parents may involve gracious dialogue and respectful conduct, but not religious conformity.

4. “To honour your father and mother, you must participate in traditional rites of ancestor worship.”

This misconception is particularly significant in cultures where ancestor veneration is common. Scripture strictly forbids worship directed toward anyone other than God. Participating in religious rites that attribute spiritual power, mediation, or worship to ancestors is incompatible with biblical faith.

Honouring parents does not include religious practices that contradict God’s revealed will. True honour is moral and relational, not ritualistic worship.

Honour Without Idolatry

One of the greatest dangers in misunderstanding this command is turning honour into idolatry, elevating parents to a place that belongs to God alone. Scripture consistently affirms love, respect, and care for parents, while maintaining that allegiance to God is supreme.

Honour ought to be rooted in Scripture, not merely in cultural practice. It should nurture relationships, not enforce oppression. It must be God-centred rather than focused on parents.

Final Thoughts

To honour one’s father and mother is to value them as God-appointed figures in one’s life, expressed through appreciation, respect, appropriate submission, and provision. It is neither blind obedience nor lifelong control. Nor does it require surrendering personal responsibility, faithfulness to God, or moral integrity.

Properly understood, honouring father and mother promotes family stability, personal maturity, and faithfulness to God without confusion, fear, or bondage. It is a command that, when rightly applied, brings blessing rather than burden.

 

Matthew 28

Jesus is Risen!
Verses 1-10

 

In the opening verses of Matthew’s last chapter, we read about the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour and the Great Commission that our Lord gave to His disciples. Firstly, we come to the great day and time when Christ rose from the grave on the third day. The resurrection of Christ is a truth that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. This fundamental fact is described and written about in all four Gospels with absolute clarity. He rose again!

 

The resurrection of Christ is the seal of the great work of redemption. It is the crowning proof that a debt was owned, and a debt was paid on our behalf. 1 Corinthians 15:16-22 says, “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

 

Let us look at some more Scripture verses that point out to us the importance of this great event of history. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 4:25 says, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” By looking at these verses we understand that we have many reasons to be thankful for this glorious truth. The enemies of God desire to disprove this fact. Yet, in spite of ungodly and unbelieving men, this fact of Christ cannot be disproven. There is overwhelming evidence and proof that Christ really did rise again.

 

The grave could not keep our Lord. The sting of death was not enough to stop Christ and the grave did not have victory over his body. An angel was a witness of His rising and angels shall be the messengers when all the saints of God shall rise again. Christ rose with a renewed body and so shall His people. Those bodies of believers who are now in the grave are waiting for that glorious day when they shall rise again.

 

May we also draw our attention to the fear that Christ’s enemies felt when He rose from the dead. We are told in the text that at the sight of the angel, “the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.” These hard and tough Roman soldiers were in so much fear that they froze as dead men. Such a sight caused them to quail in shock and fear. Their courage melted away once they saw the angel of God.

 

May we also notice the words of comfort in which the angel addressed the friends of Christ. We read in the text, “Fear not ye: for I know ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” The men and women whose God is the Lord are blessed. This gracious message which the Lord sent to the disciples after His resurrection is a great comfort to all who hear it. His first thought is for His scattered flock, “Go, tell my brethren.” There is something comforting about those words, “my brethren.” Even though they came short of their profession of faith and faithfulness to Him, Christ still called them, his “brethren.”

 

Let us see in these words of Christ all the more reason to trust Him and follow Him. Our Saviour is one who will never leave nor forsake His people. Christ is not only our Lord and Saviour He is also our great High Priest and our elder brother.

The Great Commission

Verses 11-20

 

These verses conclude the Gospel of St. Matthew. They show us how unbelieving mankind believes anything apart from the truth. They also show us the weakness of men and women and how reluctant they are to believe the Gospel.

 

Firstly, let us look at the honour that is placed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and earth.” On the grounds of Christ’s authority, the disciples are sent out to, “make disciples of all nations.” The mission does not end with conversion, but continues to the, “teaching them to observe all” that Christ commanded. The name of Jesus Christ has power and authority. Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It is at the name of Jesus that every knee will one day bow and every tongue will confess that He is King of kings, and Lord of lords. This is a simple truth that the eternal Godhead reigns over all creation. Jesus, as the Son of man, is the one and only Mediator between God and man. There is no salvation outside of Him. In Christ, there is a foundation of mercy, grace, life, and hope. He that has Christ has everything.

 

Secondly, let us look at the duty which Jesus gives to His disciples. He tells them to, “go and teach all nations.” They are not to keep the Gospel to themselves. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Salvation is not only for the Jewish people, but also for all who repent and believe in the Messiah’s message of grace. The disciples were given the task of going into all the world to tell men and women that Christ had died for sinners and that there is salvation to be found in Him alone. It is the duty of all believers to share the Good News of the Gospel with the lost and dying.

 

Thirdly, let us look at the public profession of faith that is required from those who believe the Gospel. Jesus tells the disciples to “baptise” them who receive Him as Lord and Saviour. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward work of grace in the life of a sinner.  That outward baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation; the case of the thief on the cross next to Christ plainly shows that. However, baptism does matter as it declares before the assembly and the world that a sinner identifies with Christ. We must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. Mark 8:38 says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Matthew 10:32 says, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

 

Fourthly, let us draw our attention to the obedience that Christ demands from all believers. He says, “obey all that I have commanded you.” These words of Christ shows us that a mere confession or agreement is not enough. A believer must obey the teachings of Scripture. Mere confession does not save a man’s soul, heart religion and repentance is the key. Obedience is the only proof of the reality of faith. Faith without works is dead being alone (James 2:17-16). Jesus declares that we are His friends and followers if we obey Him (John 15:14).

 

Fifthly, let us observe the great work of the divine Godhead. We serve a triune God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The doctrine of the Trinity is one that is beyond human understanding and reasoning. We serve One God in three persons. Jesus tells us to baptise, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” The three are co-equal, co-eternal, and all members of the Godhead. This truth is a great mystery of true religion. May we believe it by faith and seek not to explain it as the human mind is unable to explain such great truth. It is childish folly to attempt to explain things that we do not understand. There are many doctrines in Scripture that are beyond our thoughts, the virgin birth of Christ being another one that we just must accept by faith. Remember we are commanded to believe, not to understand or explain everything.

 

Finally, let us draw our attention to the gracious words of comfort and hope that Christ closes with. He says, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” May all true Christian people lay hold on these words of Christ, they are words of great wisdom and strength. Christ is with us. He dwells in all believers. Wherever we go He is with us. He is with us daily to forgive and pardon us. He is with us daily to defend and keep us. He is with us daily in sorrow, sickness, joy and happiness. He is with us in every part and stage of life. What stronger hope and peace could believers hold to than this? Nothing can be better than to be a follower and friend of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Don’t Gospel Halls Have a Pastor Like Other Churches?

Those who share or instruct on the Word during our gatherings are just ordinary members like you and me. Some dedicate themselves entirely to the Lord’s work in response to His calling, while others balance this role with secular employment. We are all servants of the Lord as each of us has a talent to offer for Him (1 Cor.9:7-14; Gal.6:6; Eph.4:11-16; Acts 18:1-3; 20:33-35; Rev.1:1). Being a servant is not about class differences; it is a wonderful privilege that we can all experience, regardless of being called to serve full-time or not.

The concept of a clergy/laity structure is not endorsed anywhere in the Bible. Every believer in Christ is considered a brother and sister and carries equal responsibility before God for engaging with His Word in their own lives. In fact, Jesus instructed not to refer to anyone as “master,” “teacher,” or “father” (Matt. 23:1-12). Typically, a congregation votes to select preachers and ministers to serve a local church, and they receive a salary. They hold a position of spiritual leadership and authority as long as they are recognized as “our pastor.” In other organizations, a governing board appoints the preacher to oversee a congregation. We believe that this practice is not grounded in Scripture.

It is important to recognize that our perspectives on Scripture can differ. We are of the opinion that an “open” platform, where multiple individuals can share the Word, is more beneficial than a “one-man ministry,” as it enables the Spirit of God to work through the diverse gifts and personalities bestowed upon the Church. Nevertheless, we do not advocate for an “every man” ministry; we hold that while every believer has a ministry, not every believer is meant to be a preacher, but rather, only those who are specifically gifted should take on that role. Gospel Hall Assemblies do have elders and those elders hold certain responsibilities within the local assembly. Teaching and preaching is not a role that is exclusive held by an elder. Men who have a calling from the Lord to serve the assembly ought to be able to speak at meetings if they meet the requirements of the New Testament. 

 

Matthew 27

 

The Sanhedrin Sends Christ to Pilate

Verse 1-10

 

The opening verses of this chapter describe the deliverance of our Lord into the hands of Pontius Pilate the governor. All this was in the providence of God. It was the will of the Father that Gentiles as well as Jews should be concerned with the trial and crucifixion of the Saviour. We can see the hand of God in the final moments and days of Christ. The Passion of Christ is in the providence of God. It was the will of God that both Jews and Gentiles should be concerned in the matter of the crucifixion of Christ. It was also the providence of God that the priests would publicly confess that the “sceptre had departed from Judah” (Genesis 49:10). They were unable to put anyone to death without first going to the Romans. The words of Jacob were fulfilled. The Messiah had indeed come.

 

There are two main subjects in the opening verses. The first is Christ being sent to the Sanhedrin and the second is the awful way in which Judas Iscariot died. We see at the end of Judas’s life a plain proof that Jesus Christ was indeed innocent of every charge against Him. Judas was not called as a witness before the Jewish council. Judas was in a perfect place to be called as a witness against Christ. Judas walked with Christ and heard his teachings. He witnessed Christ’s miracles and had a good knowledge of Christ. Why then was Judas not called forward? There is a simple answer to this. Judas’s conscience would not let him come forward. Judas could not prove anything against Christ. Deep down Judas knew that Jesus was holy, innocent, and blameless. Let us never forget this. The absence of Judas at the trial of Jesus is one among many proofs that the Lamb of God was without blemish or spot.

 

We also see in the text that there is such a thing as repentance that is too late. We are told that “Judas repented himself;” we are told he went before the priests and said, “I have sinned.” It is a common saying, “that it is never too late to repent.” The saying is indeed true if there is true repentance. Alas, late repentance is often not genuine. Sometimes these “death-bed confessions” and conversions are just a fleshly fear of the unknown and the fear of death itself. There are of course some genuine conversions to true faith in Christ during a person’s final weeks and days.

 

However, it is difficult to conclude if they are genuine conversions as there is very little fruit in the final days of earthly life. We know someone is saved by their fruits. Fruits or works are evidence of the conversion. It is possible for a man to feel the weight of his sin and even be under great conviction of guilt, and express deep sorrow and remorse, but not repent from the heart. It is possible for an unconverted soul to be under the power of guilt and the Holy Ghost to do no saving work in the heart or soul whatsoever. This is why the Bible tells us to prepare to meet God. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” In the Letter of James, the Bible speaks of people not receiving because they, “ask amiss.”

 

The text also draws our attention to the little comfort ungodliness brings a man at the end of his life. We are told that Judas cast down the thirty pieces of silver and went away in bitterness of soul. The money that Judas earned because of his treachery gave him no pleasure or comfort. In fact, it caused him great pain and sorrow. The “treasures of wickedness profit nothing” (Proverbs 10.2) “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Proverbs 10:2 also tells us, “Righteousness delivereth from death.” Sin is the hardest of all masters. Sin promises so much but delivers very little. Sin offers us much, but never what we need. Sin offers pleasure but gives sorrow. Many souls can testify to the fact the so-called pleasures of sin only happen for a season, they are soon over, and the consequences set in. How foolish are we that we believe the promises of sin, time and time again knowing that the sting of sin is much greater than the shortness of its pleasure. They that sow to the flesh, do indeed reap corruption. If we are tempted to commit sin, may we remember the words of Numbers 32:23, “be sure your sin will find you out.”

 

Finally, let us understand the miserable end a man may come to as a result of great personal sin and rejection of God. The life of Judas is a good example of a man who had great privileges and did not use them wisely. Judas had a great opportunity to do great things for God, yet he rejected that all for thirty pieces of silver. We are told in the text that this unhappy man, “departed and went and hanged himself.” What an awful death to die. An apostle of Christ, a man who walked with Christ and other apostles committed suicide and by doing so translated himself from earth unprepared, unforgiven and to eternal judgment.  May we all strive to live up to our light, so we will never find ourselves in the same state of mind and heart as Judas.

 

What is the state of your heart at this hour? Are you ever tempted to rest on your own knowledge? Do you seek daily the spirit of God? May we never forget the lessons learnt in the life of Judas. May we not fall under the same folly and wickedness of this man. Remember Judas, be aware. Are we trifling with one sin and flattering ourselves so we may repent of it later? Judas in his foolishness thought that his sin would bring him no suffering, but only gain. In fact, Judas suffered greatly and lost his life. His sin drew him to the point of death by hanging himself upon a tree.

 

 

 

 

Jesus Before Pilate

Verses 11-26

 

These verses describe our Lord’s appearance before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. What a sight that must have been. He who will one day judge the world in righteousness allowed Himself to be judged and condemned by sinful mankind. Isaiah 53:9 says, “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” Jesus suffered unjustly so that His people are may be found just in the sight of God. He suffered silently, an unjust sentence to be passed upon Him. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” says Isaiah 53:7. We as believers own everything to those silent sufferings of Christ.

 

May we look at the conduct of Pilate and learn the awful condition of an unprincipled man. Pilate appears to be satisfied that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death. We are told that “he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.” If Pilate acted according to his own conscience our Lord would have been dismissed as a free man. However, Pilate was governor of a turbulent people. His main priority was to keep in favour with the people and to be seen as a man promoting the wishes of the people. He cared little for sinning against conscience, as long as he had the support and praise of man. He was willing to save the life of Jesus, but was afraid by doing so he would incur the wrath of the Jews. Instead of freeing Jesus Pilate offered them Barabbas. The freeing of Barabbas is a picture of the grace of Christ in his death, as the Lord died in the place of all who repent and believe. There are many men and women who know very well that their public acts are wrong, yet have not the courage to act according to their knowledge and conscience. They fear the people; they dread being laughed at; they cannot bear being unpopular. The praise of man is the idol they bow down to and even sacrifice their own souls.

 

Whatever our position or condition in life may be let us be people who are guided by Biblical principles and not the feeble praise of man. The praise of man is fleeting; here today and gone tomorrow. Let us strive to please God, and then we care little who else is pleased. Let us fear God, not man. Let us not be concerned with the thoughts and words of man, but only with what the Word of God declares to be right, holy, and true.

 

There is a lesson to be learnt from the conduct of the Jews regarding the desperate wickedness of human nature. The behaviour of Pilate gave the chief priests and elders an opportunity to reconsider. However, there were no second thoughts in the minds of our Lord’s enemies. They were driven and focused on one goal, to destroy our Lord and get rid of him at all costs. They preferred having a wicked wretched felon, named Barabbas, set free rather than Jesus.

 

For Christ to be hated so much as he was one would expect He had done something wrong. Christ was not just hated; he was hated to the point where the Jews wanted him crucified. Christ was no robber or murder. He was no blasphemer of their God. He was not guilty of any wrong, even the Roman governor declared him guiltless. His life was one of love and peace. He went about healing people and doing all manner of good, yet the Jews hated Him and would not rest until He was slain.

 

They hated Him because He told them the truth. They hated Him because He told them that their works were evil. They hated the light because the light exposed their wickedness. In a word, they hated Christ because He was righteous, holy, and true. They on the other hand were unrighteous, unholy, and false.

 

Let us never be surprised at the wickedness there is in the world. May we see the wickedness of man and do all we can to show how wickedness can be forgiven. May we be examples of men and women who have been changed by the grace of God from wickedness to holiness. Remember, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

 

Jesus is Mocked and the Crucifixion

Verses 27-44

 

In these verses, we have a clear description of the pains and sufferings of our Lord during the final moments of his earthly life. Christ suffered the most brutal sufferings at the hands of the Roman soldiers. We read about our Lord’s condemnation by Pilate and His death on the Cross. They give us a staggering account that we must never forget. The staggering account of the death of the Son of God is the fundamental truth on which the whole of Christianity rests. John 1:29 says, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Acts 3:19 says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” The Collect for Good Friday in the Book of Common Prayer says, “ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.”

 

Let us first look at the extent and reality of our Lord’s sufferings. Never let us forget that our Lord had a physical body of flesh and bones, a body that is just as sensitive to pain as ours. Our Lord had just endured a night with no sleep, he was tired. He had been taken from Gethsemane to the Jewish council, and from there to the judgement hall of Pilate. He had twice been placed on trial and twice unjustly condemned. He had been scourged, beaten with rods, and spat upon. He was stripped of his clothing, mocked and placed in a scarlet robe. They “plaited a crown of sharp thorns” and drove it into the head of the Saviour. After all this Jesus was led away to a place called Golgotha, and there put to death in the most brutal and cruel way a man can die.

 

Crucifixion is a long and painful way to die. It is believed that the person being crucified does not die from their wounds, but by asphyxiation, as the person is unable to breathe due to the position of the body on the cross. Every breath puts the body through excruciating pain. So, what is crucifixion? The person crucified was laid on his back on a piece of timber, with a cross-piece nailed to it near one end with the arms nailed to the cross-piece. The arms were held in place with nails and fastened to the wood. His feet in like manner were nailed to the upright part of the cross. After the body had been securely fastened to the cross, the cross was then raised up and fixed firmly in the ground. The final stage was to leave the person there until they died. This surely must be the most painful and awful way for a man to die, as it is a long and extremely painful physical state with no rest or release of the suffering. Death usually occurred after six hours. However, there have been historical accounts of some people lasting up to four days.

 

Our Lord suffered this torture for six long hours. Just stop and pause for a moment to try and take this in. For six hours our Lord hung naked and bleeding on the cross, while the crowds looked on. His head was pierced with thorns, his back lacerated with scourging and his hands and feet nailed to that cross. O dear Christian soul never forget that all this was for the salvation of men and women. He died for us to live eternally with Him, for us to be declared justified in the sight of God. Our sin made the death of Christ on the Cross the only payment acceptable to the Father.

 

May we never forget that Christ died in our place, he was our substitute. 1 Peter 2:22 says, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.” Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” May we remember these Bible passages as they are the foundation of the Gospel?

 

Christ was condemned, though innocent, so we who are not innocent would be declared innocent. Christ wore the crown of thorns that we might wear the crown of glory. Christ was stripped of his kingly robes so that we might be clothed in His righteousness. Christ was mocked so we might receive the highest honour possible. Salvation is all of God and bought with the blood of Christ. Our sins are great and deep, but a great ransomed has been made for us.

 

May we grow in Christ and learn to hate sin. Sin was the cause of all our Lord’s sufferings. Our sinfulness drove the nails into Christ’s hands and feet. The thought of Christ’s death ought to provoke us to love him, serve him and worship him. We owe everything to Christ.

 

The Death of Christ

Verses 45-55

 

Here we read about the death of our Lord and Saviour on the Cross. We have in these verses the conclusion of Our Lord’s passion. After six long hours of agony and suffering He, “yielded up the ghost.” Our Lord said, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.”  This is Aramaic and means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me” the opening words of Psalm 22. At this moment Christ was experiencing the great abandonment and grief that came as a result of the outpouring of divine wrath and judgment as He became the sin-bearer for all who repent and believe the Gospel. For the first time, Christ knew what it was like to bore sin as the Father turned His face away from the Son due to the sin Christ bore for us in his own body.

 

These words of Christ express the enormous burden and suffering Christ felt for a world of sinners. They show us how true and literal His substitution was. They show us the righteous anger of God against the sins of the world and how much Christ loves sinners. The pain felt by our Lord and Saviour was excruciating. Alexander Metherall, M.D, Ph.D. said, “The pain was absolutely unbearable. In fact, it was literally beyond words to describe; they had to invent a new word: excruciating. Literally, excruciating means ‘out of the cross’”.  Let this sink deep into our heart, mind, and soul. There is clear proof of the sinfulness of sin, the love of Christ for us, and the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. This ought to stir us up to hate our sin and cause us to trust in the Saviour. He is worthy of our worship, faith, and affection. The wrath of the Father was experienced at the Cross. He died for sinners and may sinners live for Him.

 

Let us also take note of the words, “He yielded up the Ghost.” The Roman soldiers and the crowd gathered around the Cross saw nothing remarkable about the death of Christ. They saw a man dying on a cross just like others did with the usual pain and suffering. They did not know that on that cross the Son of God paid the price for sin. They did not know that on that cross Christ purchased the souls of sinful men and women. They did not know that on that cross, there Christ suffered and died for mankind. Romans 5:6-9 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

 

The death of Christ was not a mere example of self-sacrifice, but a complete propitiation for man’s sins and the result of man’s sins. That death opened a fountain for all sin and uncleanness of mankind. It also completed Christ’s mission and ministry on earth. It proved the love of Christ for sinners. No wonder the earth quaked when the Son of God died. Isaiah 53:10 says, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.”

 

May we also draw our attention to the fact that when our Lord died the curtain in the Jewish temple, “split from top to bottom.” We are told that “the veil of the temple was rent in twain.” The curtain separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple. The high priest was the only one permitted to enter the holy of holies and only at a certain time (once a year). The fact that the curtain was split into two points to the fact that God’s presence is now open to all through a new and living way. The rendering of the veil proclaimed the end of the ceremonial law. It was a sign that the old way of sacrifice and ordinances was no longer needed.

 

There is now no more need for an earthly high priest, a mercy-seat, and a sprinkling of blood. The true Lamb of God has died and this is our only way to receive forgiveness and salvation from God. Let us praise God for the crucifixion. Let us worship our Saviour who was crucified for our sins. Let us place all our hope and peace on the Saviour. We can never say that Christ does not know what suffering is and for that, we must be thankful. C. S. Lewis once said, “It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.”

 

 

Jesus is Buried

Verses 57-66

 

We now read about the burial of Christ. One thing was needful for our Saviour to accomplish that great work of redemption, that His body was to be laid in a grave, and to rise again. The resurrection is the seal of all His work on earth.

 

Did the Son of God really die? Yes. Did He really rise again? Yes. There are many objections and doubts raised concerning the life and ministry of Christ. By the providence of God, He ordered things so that the death and burial of Jesus were placed beyond a doubt. Pilate gives consent to His burial. A disciple wraps the body in linen and lays it in a new tomb “wherein was never a man laid.” The chief priests themselves had a guard over the place where the body of Christ lay. Jews, Gentiles, friends, and foes all testified that Christ had really died and was laid in a grave.

 

We also learn from the text that Christ had friends and followers of whom little is known about. A man named Joseph of Arimathea appears for the first and last time in the text. He comes forward and asks permission to bury the dead Jesus. We know nothing about this man, only that he was a disciple who loved Christ and wanted to honour Him with a proper burial. What this tells us is that there are in some corners of the world men and women who shine bright for Christ who the rest of the world knows nothing about. They are quietly and peacefully going about their lives in a manner that is honouring to God, and little is known about them to the rest of the world. They are that quiet country preacher who faithfully serves his local assembly and the little old lady who prays for the needs of Christian people. They are great men and women of the faith, but little is known about them.

 

We live in a world that is in the hands of God and where all things work together for the good. This is shown in the text before us. The events that took place show without a shadow of a doubt that Christ really died. The things that seem to be working against us are in fact used for the glory of God. We may be brought before judges and courts to testify of the greatness and goodness of our God.

 

Matthew 26

 

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Verses 1-13

 

We now come to the closing events of Christ’s earthly ministry. We have just read about Christ’s second coming to earth and now we are going to read about his death. This is a portion of Scripture which ought to be read with reverence and peculiar attention, not because this part of Scripture is more important than the rest of Scripture but due to the fact that Christ’s death is the fundamental event upon which the Christian faith depends. Here we see how the seed of the woman bruised the serpent’s head, spoken of in Genesis. Here we see the Old Testament sacrifice to which all the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to. Here we see how by the shedding of blood sinners have their sins removed. Here we see how the unjust are made just in the sight of God. Here we see the sinless Lamb of God suffering for sinners upon a Roman Cross. Here we see the great redemption mystery of the cross.

 

Let us first mark in our mind the careful attention of the disciples to Christ’s death. Note what our Lord said, “ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of Man is betrayed to be crucified.” Our Lord had just been dealing, talking, and teaching about his second coming in power and glory at the end of the age. Then at once without pause, Christ goes on to speak of His crucifixion.

 

He reminds them that He must die as a sin-offering, that He must make propitiation for sin on the cross before He takes the crown of heavenly glory. We can never attach too much importance to the cross of Christ Jesus, the righteous. It is the leading fact in the Word of God on which our salvation and soul depend upon. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Without this the Gospel is like a building without a foundation, soon the building will collapse into a heap of useless rubble.

 

Let us delight in the hope of Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Let us return daily to this truth and hope, for on this our soul is fed. Let us never be ashamed to say that we belong to Christ and love to call Him our Lord and Saviour.

 

The second thing we need to observe here is the honour Christ loves to put on those who honour Him. We are told that when He “was in the house of Simon the leper,” a woman came and sat at the table and poured a box of precious ointment on the head of Christ. She did this as an act of worship and affection. She had received soul-benefit from Him. This deed caused disapproval from those who saw it. They called it a waste and saw better use for the ointment. They thought that the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor. At once Christ rebuked these cold-hearted fault finders. He tells them that the woman did a good work, and it was not in vain such as was being suggested. Christ accepted and approved of her reverence and love. Christ goes on to say that whenever this gospel is preached the world will know about this woman as a memorial to her. Remember, that our good deeds and acts of faith and love may one day be used as a witness just like the woman we read about here. The books and testimonies of men and women long ago serve not only as a memorial to the lives they led, but serve as a reminder of the greatness of God in the lives of His people.

 

Lastly, let’s turn our attention to the blessed foretaste of things that are yet to take place in the day of judgment. In that day we will find all our worship, service and labour will not be in vain. We are reminded that even the littlest thing done for Christ will be remembered by God. Not a single word or deed will be forgotten. If we love Christ, confess Him and work for Him, it shall be known by the Father.

 

Let us consider these questions before God. Do you know what it is to work for Christ? Do we seek daily to bring honour to God? Are we living in such a way that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit? We may be mocked and rejected by the world. We may even suffer harm, but still, we serve Christ. Our motives may be misunderstood, and our conduct misrepresented, and effects called a waste of time, a waste of money, a waste of strength. May none of these things cause us to doubt our faith and calling. Let us be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in good works and faith, all for the glory of God.

 

Judas betrays Christ

Verses 14-25

 

We read in these verses the betrayal of Christ by Judas. It was by the hand of Judas that Christ was given into the hands of his enemies. That false Apostle gave up Christ for thirty pieces of silver. This is about $260 USD or £210 GBP in today’s value according to some sources. Other sources state that thirty pieces of sliver was the price of a slave or a common ox.

 

There are few pages in history that describe the character and conduct of Judas Iscariot. This passage of Scripture shows the wickedness of man at its worst. Judas was prepared to have Christ mocked, put on trial, and later crucified for a small amount of money. He was willing to hand over the Son of God to be brutally killed, all for the sake of money.

 

Let us learn from these verses that a man may enjoy great privileges and make a great profession of faith and yet his heart be not right before God. Judas had the highest possible privileges. He had the Lord Jesus Christ as his teacher and example. He saw the miracles of Christ. He heard Christ preach and saw things that Abraham and Moses never did. He heard things that David and all the prophets of the Old Testament never did. He had Christ as a witness, yet he held on to one sin that cost him greatly.

 

Just like the other Apostles Judas appeared to believe and give up all for the sake of Christ. None suspected him of anything other than faithfulness to Christ. When our Lord said, “One of you shall betray me” no one said, “Is it Judas?” The story of Judas and his betrayal is intended to be a reminder to the Church of Christ to search our hearts to see if there is any wicked way in us. Let us by the grace of God be convicted and convinced in our heart that there be no evil way in us and that we truly belong to Christ.

 

The second point that demands our attention is the great damage and danger of money. There is no clearer example in Scripture of the fact than the one that is before us here. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 6:10, “the love of money is the root of all evil” meaning that the love of money is at the heart of all kinds of evil, it is that love for money which destroys a man. Scripture has many examples of money being at the centre of evil acts. Joseph was sold into slavery for money. Samson was betrayed to the Philistines for money. Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive Peter for money. So, let us be on guard against the love of money. We can love money without having it, just like we cannot love money with having it. Be on guard that we are not carried away in this evil, for before we are aware we will be in our bonds and chains.

 

It took just one leak to sink that once thought unsinkable ship Titanic. It will take just one unmortified sin to cause doubt. It does not take much to ruin a soul. We ought to call to mind the solemn words, “what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” The evil one will tempt you with all sorts of worldly pleasures and pursuits. The great destroyer of souls will offer you anything, except the one thing your soul needs, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We carry nothing into this world, and it is certain that we will carry nothing out. May our prayer be that the Lord will use us greatly for the benefit of the church and the nation in the short time we reside on earth. Our constant aim ought to be this, to be a blessing to the Church of Christ and to the nation in which we dwell. A faithful Christian is one who puts Christ first.

 

Let us also learn from these verses the hopeless condition of those who are without Christ. Jesus said of Judas, “It had been good for that man if he had not been born.” It is better to have never lived than to live without faith and to die without grace. To die in this state is to be ruined forever. There is no second chances in Hell. There are no second chances after death. Hell will lose its terrors if it has an end. The Word of God is clear on the subject. There is only one way to be saved, through Christ alone. We must come to Him before we depart this life. Except a man is born again he will one day wish he was never born.

 

Let us grasp this truth firmly that one day all souls will enter eternity. Souls will either be an eternity in Heaven or Hell. Let us never be ashamed that there is an eternal God, an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell. There is a way of peace and truth, and He is Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

The Lord’s Supper

Verses 26-35

 

In these verses, we find the description of the Lord’s Supper. Our Lord knew what manner of death he would die and that it was soon to come to pass. Our Lord chose to spend his final few moments on earth with his disciples. Christ chose to leave a partaking gift to them; He bestowed an act of remembrance.

 

How dreadful is the thought that the Lord’s Supper has led to such a fierce controversy and has been so deeply misunderstood? The first thing that demands our attention is the right meaning of our Lord’s words, “This is my body,” “this is my blood.” The plain meaning of our Lord’s words appears to be the bread represents his body, and the wine represents his blood. He did not mean that the bread was really and literally His body. He did not mean that wine was really and literally His blood. May we hold steadfastly to this interpretation as it is supported by sound reasons.

 

The conduct of the disciples forbids us to believe that the bread they received was Christ’s body and the wine was his blood. They were all Jews who were taught from their youth to believe that it was sinful to eat flesh with the blood (Deuteronomy 12:23-25). There is nothing in the text that shows that the disciples were startled by our Lord’s words. They evidently understood no change in the bread and the wine.

 

Our senses forbid us to believe that there is any change in the bread and wine. Our taste tells us that they are still bread and wine. For things above our reason, the Bible requires us to believe, but we are never told to believe that which contradicts our senses.

 

The natural body of Christ cannot be in two places at the same time. If our Lord was sitting at the table, then his physical body could not be eaten by the disciples. It is the glory of Christian truth that our Redeemer is truly man and truly God. It is clear from the text that our Lord is speaking figuratively. Some other examples from Scripture where Christ does this is when he speaks of himself as “the door”, “the vine” and “the good shepherd.”

 

The second thing which demands our attention in these verses is the purpose and object for which the Lord’s supper was appointed. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice. There is no oblation in it, no offering up of anything but prayers, praises, and thanksgiving. By one offering Christ paid the price for the sins of the world. He died once on the cross to purchase souls. The Lord’s Supper has no power to forgive sin nor to remove it. The act of eating the bread and drinking the wine is useless unless it is done with a right heart.

 

The Lord’s Supper was ordained for a continual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ’s death until He comes again. The benefits are spiritual, not physical. It is a reminder by the visible emblems of bread and wine that our Lord was offered up to bear the sins of many. It draws us nearer to Christ as a body of believers.

 

Let us leave the passage with serious self-inquiry as to our conduct in regard to the Lord’s Supper. Consider some of these questions. What frame of mind do we come to the Lord’s table? Do we come with faith? Do we feel our sinfulness and need of the Saviour? Do we really desire to live the Christian faith? Happy is the soul that can give satisfactory answers to these questions.

 

The Prayer in the Garden

Verses 36-46

 

These verses before us are what is commonly called Christ’s agony at Gethsemane. It is a passage which contains deep things. We ought to read them carefully and with great reverence and wonder. Here we have a great burden no mind or heart of man can conceive; it is known only by God. We can observe precious lessons from this part of our Lord’s time on earth.

 

Firstly, prayer is the best practical remedy that we can use in times of trouble. We see Christ praying in times of trouble and times of great joy. Here we see Christ praying when his soul was sorrowful. All true children of God ought to do the same. We find ourselves in a world of sin and cannot avoid times of sorrow and hardship. The most loyal and faithful Christian on earth cannot escape times of testing and times of great distress. In times like this, it can help to talk to friends and family, but there will be times when no-one, but God can help. We must learn to come to God for help and wisdom in all matters, nothing is too trivial for our Lord.

 

A second lesson is the entire submission of our will to the will of God. The words of our Lord are an example that we should also follow. He says, “not as I will but as Thou wilt.” He says, “Thy will be done.” We wish and want many things and often forget that we are ignorant of what is for our good most of the time. Happy is he who has no “wishes” and is at peace with the state in which he finds himself. It is a lesson like St. Paul learnt, to be not in the school of man, but of Christ (Philippians 4:11). There are things that prove we have the mind of Christ. A mortified will is valuable more than anything, even our Lord said, “Thy will be done.”

 

Lastly, we learn that there is great weakness even in true disciples of Christ and this is why they must watch and pray against it. We see Peter, James, and John sleeping when they ought to have been watching and praying. Jesus said, “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” There is a double nature in all believers. Although we are believers in Christ’s Gospel we carry a body of sin.

 

The experience of all true Christians in every age testifies to these two natures. There is a continual strife between the two. Jesus addresses this by calling one “flesh” and the other “spirit”. He says, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

 

The Lord does not excuse this weakness of the flesh. He uses that weakness as a reason why we must be watchful and pray. He teaches us that the fact we are encompassed with infirmity should stir us up to “watch and pray.”

 

If we desire to walk with God let us never forget to watch and pray. The devil is very busy seeking souls whom he can destroy. Let our Lord’s words ring in our ears like a trumpet. Our spirit may be willing, but our flesh is weak. May we always watch and pray.

 

The Arrest of Christ

Verses 47-56

 

Here we see the cup of our Lord’s suffering being filled. We see Him betrayed, forsaken and rejected. May we never forget as we read this section of Scripture that it was our sin that made Christ’s death on the cross necessary. Ephesians 5:2 reminds us that Christ gave Himself as an offering and sacrifice, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”

 

When Judas Iscariot betrayed Christ, he did so with a kiss. It is a custom in Eastern countries to meet and greet a friend with a kiss. However, Judas did not kiss Jesus to only greet him but to identify Christ to his enemies.

 

Let us notice how our Lord condemns those who think to use carnal weapons in defence of His cause. He reproves one of His disciples for striking a servant of the High Priest. Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place”. He also adds, “All they that take the sword shall perish by the sword.”

 

The sword has a lawful use and a right office. In defence of nations and against evil and oppression the sword may be used. The sword may be used in the rightful defence of the nation, but never to be used in the propagation and defence of the Gospel. Christianity is not to be enforced by bloodshed, and by force of the sword, unlike one world religion that was spread by the sword. The weapons of Christian warfare are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Cor. 10:4).

 

Let us notice how our Lord submitted Himself freely into the hands of His enemies. His voluntary submission to His foes was to the glory of God. He came on purpose to fulfil the types and promises of Old Testament Scriptures and by fulfilling them provided salvation for all who believe on Him. He came to be the Lamb of God, to suffer for us and to shed His blood to redeem us from the curse of our sins. He was taken, tried, condemned, and crucified entirely of His own will and love.

 

Let us not forget that our Lord’s disciples forsook Him and fled. They forgot their confident assertions made a few hours ago. They forgot that they declared their loyalty and willingness to die for their Master. The fear of death overtook them. Many Christians have done the same under the influence of excited feelings and yet in a short time when feelings have cooled down, they have forsaken Christ.

 

There are lessons here of humiliation and great self-abasement. We must learn to distrust ourselves and our feelings and learn to trust Christ. Unless we watch, pray and trust in the grace of God we will fall. Our prayer must be, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe” (Psalm 119:117).

 

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

Verses 57-68

 

Here we read how Christ was brought before Caiaphas, the high priest and declared guilty. It was fitting that this event took place. The day of crucifixion was fast approaching, and the great type of the scapegoat was about to be fulfilled. It was suitable that the Jewish high priest should do his part in declaring sin upon the head of Christ (Leviticus 26:21). May we think deeply about this event. There is meaning in every part of Christ’s passion.

 

Take note that the chief priests were agents in bringing about the death of Christ. It was the chief priests and the Jews who pushed for the death of Christ. The Jewish priests can be traced back to Aaron. Their office was one of sanctity and responsibilities yet these men along with others were the murderers of the Son of God.

 

Beware of any minister of religion. They are not infallible and will make mistakes. They can lead souls astray and even ruin the soul of a believer. The teaching and conduct of all ministers must be tested and tried by the Word of God. They are to be followed so long as they follow the Word of God. If they stray from Scripture then their teaching ought to be rejected. Isaiah 8:20 says, “To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, It is because there is no light in them.”

 

Let us also take note of how fully our Lord declared who he was before the council and His future coming in glory. The unconverted can never say they did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. During his life and ministry, Jesus showed this truth clearly.

 

He tells the council plainly that He is the Christ, the Son of God. He tells them that a day is coming when He will appear in glory. Some of the last words spoken by Christ were a warning about His own second coming.

 

The last point that our attention is drawn to is the false witness and mockery that Christ endured. The devil uses many weapons against Christian people. The weapons used here were also used against Christ. Falsehoods and ridicule are old favourite weapons of the devil. He is a liar and the chief of liars. Christ was falsely called “a glutton” and “winebibber” and many others. Satan stirred up Christ’s enemies to add insult to injury. He was spat upon, mocked, and struck with the palms of their hands. They also mockingly said to Christ, “Prophecy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote thee.”

 

The Son of God voluntarily submitted Himself to great indignities all for the sake of weak miserable sinners such as we are. This was foretold seven hundred years before Christ was born. Isaiah 50:6 says, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

 

The conclusion that we can draw from the passage is beneficial to our souls. Let us never be surprised if we endure mockery for our faith in Christ and the Gospel. Lies and insults were heaped on the head of our Saviour. Do not be surprised if we have the same treatment from the world. It is a tool and weapon of Satan to blacken the name and character of godly men and women.

 

If we find ourselves in this way may we pray to God to give us the grace and patience to bear such treatment. The cup of our sufferings in this life is small in comparison to the sufferings of Christ. At worst, we will drink a few bitter drops from the cup of suffering, but Christ drank the cup to the very dregs.

 

Peter denies Christ

Verses 69-75

 

These seven verses before us tell us one of the most troubling episodes in the life of Peter. It is one of the events in the history of the people of God that proves the truth of the Bible. If the Bible is a mere invention of the imagination of man, then depicting one of its principal preachers as a weak man who denied his Master is unlikely. The Bible is a truthful record of the nature of man as it portrays man as morally tainted. The Bible portrays its principle Old Testament and New Testament believers as such.

 

The first thing we must draw our attention to is the sin that Peter was guilty of. The sin that Peter was guilty of was his denial of any association or knowledge of Christ. He committed this sin three times due to his fear of the consequences. Here we see Peter who was once bold in his faith and confession of Christ now denying his Lord and Saviour. It was a sin committed under little provocation. Two women made a remark about Peter being with Jesus. No threat seems to have been used, but this is all it took to shake the faith of the great apostle of Christ. Peter goes much further than a simple denial of Christ he curses and swears. This teaches us a great lesson that the best of saints are just men at best and can fall greatly just like anyone else. You may have a deep faith in God, great hope in the Saviour, and a profound love for all that is holy, yet be overtaken and have an awful fall like Peter. Take heed that we do not think we will never fall; here lies the danger. Those who have fallen greatly likely had a mindset that they will never fall.

 

Let us look closely at the steps which led to Peter’s sin of denying Christ. Firstly, Peter was full of self-confidence. He claimed that even though all men should be offended he shall never be offended by Christ. Secondly, Christ told Peter to watch and pray, instead, Peter slept. The second step of his fall was indolence, Peter was lazy. The third step of his fall was cowardly compromising. Instead of staying close to Christ, he forsook Him. The last step of Peter’s fall was his needless venturing into evil company. Peter went into the priest’s palace and sat with the servants like one of them. All this led to his three-fold denial of Christ. Peter’s lack of wisdom and faith led to the fall. He was wise in his own eyes. He did not heed the wisdom and warning of Christ. Great falls seldom happen to a saint without a previous course of secret backsliding. We fall in private long before we fall in public.

 

The last point that the text draws our attention to is the sorrow which Peter’s sin brought on him. We read at the end of the chapter, “He went out, and wept bitterly.” Often when we read the account of Peter’s denial of Christ we scan over the deep sorrow and repentance displayed by Peter. There is a connection here between the denial, departure and desperately sad state Peter finds himself in. May we have the wisdom of this lesson in the forefront of our mind, that if we are going to be happy in our faith and have an inward peace we must walk closely with God.

 

We also see in this passage this difference between the true believer and the one who does not have the Spirit of God. When the true believers fall, they react with true repentance and the grace of God to restore and amend his life.

 

The one who does not have the Spirit of God does not react with true repentance nor seeks the grace of God. This is the last thing on his mind. The child of God does mourn over personal sin, does seek after God’s grace, does hate their personal sinfulness, and will seek to live out a life that is honouring to God as repentance and faith are key to a Gospel-centred life.

 

The whole passage is filled with lessons that ought to be pressed on our hearts and minds. Consider the following questions before God. Do you profess to have hope and faith in Christ? Do you feel the weight and burden of personal sin? Do you seek the grace of God to change your attitude and behaviour regarding sin? There is mercy and hope for us. We must repent of sin. We must come to God and seek His grace towards us. Let us turn unto God, and He will turn unto us. James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”