The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1914-11-13


p. s.
GOLDEN fEXT-Let him that thinketl
he standeth take heed lest ne FALL Cor
1912. G a-
The record of Peters failure is a
sad story. Mark, who received his
Gospel from Peter, gives it in clear
outline. This suggests that Peter did
not spare himself
|. After Passover Feast, w. 27-31'
On the way 70 Oliyet Jesus warns the
disciples that all you'd be offended
Caused to stumble) because of what
was about to occur. Not one escaped,
Matt. &c: Sc Zech. 1871. Peter, assured
in his own mind, denies that this
should be true of him, so confident
was he of himself and of his devotion.
Over against this warning Jesus
sounds the note of his resurrection,
and it was chiefly in their inability
to catch, or comprehend this note, that
they stumbled Particularly is this
true of Peter. That Jesus could found
a church on the vulgar tragedy OF a
criminals death was beyond the range
of his understanding. This self-con-
fidence was the beginning OF his fall
Prov. 1918. 1t is pride like this
which men have in their own strength,
that is the chief reason why they are
not saved. If they are able to care
for themselves, why do they need the
help of another?
sa Peters Denials.
Peter trusted his own heart. A man
is a fool who will trust such deceitful
member, Jer 1853, Prov. 2S:26.
Peters loud profession is answered by
a definite prophecy of his utter fail
ure, V. 80. Before the cock shall
crow twice, thou shall deny me
thrice" Again Peter contradicts the
Lord, Il will not deny thee" Peters
later denial of the person of Jesus in
the Judgment hall is prefaced by
denial of his masters assertions on
the way thither. He had to learn wis
dom and humility in the bitter school
of experience. Peter is quite like us
all, but he did learn and profited there
by q Peter 5:5), which cannot be
said OF all of us.
II. Following Afar or, w. So, 81.
Peter followed afar" into the court
of the high priests palace. We have
suggested 0esson of Nov. 1st) that
zeal and affection prompted Peter, yet
he was expressly forbidden and fore
warned, John 13:36-38. Some one has
said that the development of Peters
weakness began in the garden when
he ceased to pray. That courtyard
and it's brazier of Goals was danger
Gus place for any disciple of the Lord.
The servants and soldiers of the pow
ers against Christ were congregated
about that first. 1t is never safe to
warm oneself at the enemies fire
though we see it constantly being
done, Matt. GLIB; Ps. IL.
III. ~ Know Not This Man." w. &C.
70. While at the fire, a serving maid
looking at Peter said, Thou also vast
with the Nazarne, even Jesus" I'M
and without any seeming
hesitancy Peter denied, and declared
his ignorance both of the man and of
understanding what she said. Peter
did not sympathize with what was be-
ing done to Jesus, but at heart he was
not brave enough to separate him
self from the enemies of Jesus thereby
to draw upon himself some sort of
censure or condemnation Thus con-
forming to the world about him made
1t easy for Peter to utter his first
note of denial. Having done so he
passed on into the porch and heard |
the first Growing of the cock. The
apparent contradiction between Mark |
and the other writer's over the ques-
lion of the number of maids seems !
% be solved by John 1925, where |
reference is made to several who |
spoke at the same time Doubtless |
he words of the first maid are re-
by those of another on the
second occasion; they both brought an
accusation against him.
Speech Betrayed Peter.
This second maid addressing the
spectators said, This is one
If them" and again Peter denies the
He had escaped one pre-
licament only to be plunged into an
'ther and perhaps more dangerous
me, To deny afresh seemed to be
he only way of escape, James 4:4; |
yor 1892 R. V. A few words Of
CRYING maid filled Peter with dis
nay but a second denial did not de-
liver him from his predicament. After
little those standing with him de-
Jared he must be one of the follow
rs Of Jesus, for his speech betrayed
i'm to be Galilean Then Peter
ouched the bottom, for he accom-
,anies his denial with curses.
From his high and exalted state of
mind, his high hopes as to Jesus, he
ees himself traitor and Jesus about
0 be crushed by the hand of man.
'eter was passionately devoted to
esus and had felt that he could go
nth him to the limit. Once before
t Caesarea-Philippi Peter had been
armed. He had been mystified by
hat Jesus said about the cross and
ad protested He had high and noble
spirations but they carried him be-