(Luke 22:31-32)

Acts 2:36 marks the conclusion of Peter’s great sermon about Jesus. In the context, it is the day of Pentecost. Pentecost took place 50 days after the Passover (which means it is about 50 days after the death of Jesus). Many of the Jews in Peter’s crowd were probably well aware of Jesus’ death. And yet, Peter still had the courage to stand before them and preach the gospel.

How could this happen? How did Peter get to this point in his faith, especially considering the terrible mistake he made the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested?

Peter’s big mistake:

  • About 50 days prior to the events of Acts 2, Peter was gathered with Jesus and the other apostles to eat the Passover (Matthew 26:20-29). On this night, the Lord’s Supper was also instituted.
    • After eating the meals, the Lord led His disciples across the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane. During the journey, He revealed that they would forsake Him (Matthew 26:31-32).
    • Peter refused to believe this (Matthew 26:33). The Lord responded by revealing how that night he would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:34).
    • After the Lord was arrested and taken to the court, Peter did exactly what was predicted (Matthew 26:69-75). When questioned about his allegiance to Jesus, Peter denied Him!
  • Peter committed one of the biggest blunders found in the Bible, and yet, he was selected by God to preach the gospel on Pentecost and usher in the church of the Lord Jesus. What a truly remarkable transformation in a mere 50 days!
  • This is a story of redemption that provides us with several things that we need to remember whenever we find ourselves messing up in life.

Lessons from Peter’s big mistake:

  • Sometimes we are going to mess up.
    • Peter messed up several times in his walk with Jesus (Galatians 2:11-14; Matthew 16:23). We will as well!
    • There are no sinless Christians (1 John 1:8-10).
  • Our mistakes don’t have to define us.
    • Even though Peter would deny the Lord, he wouldn’t give up on his faith! Instead, he would pick himself up and continue doing good for the cause of Christ (Luke 22:31-32). He would go on to become a great preacher, apostle, and elder in the church.
    • Like Peter, even after our mistakes, the Lord can use us to do amazing things for His glory! Our past mistakes don’t have to ruin our future!
  • We serve a redemptive God!
    • After his huge blunder, Peter was given a second chance. The Lord forgave and continued to use him (John 21:15-19).
    • He will do the same for us if we turn and seek His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). The only sin that God won’t forgive is the one we won’t repent of.

Conclusion: Where are you? Do you need to see forgiveness from God? If so, seek it today!