Matthew 26:33

New King James Version

Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are [a]made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

For Encouragement
If there is any area of our lives in which we need more grace to support us, it is holding back our words and letting our actions rather speak. Countless times, our words have come back to bite and haunt us, and many of those times, we have had to apologize to those we disappointed or offended by our hasty words.

Maybe you don’t have that same problem, but do you remember our good friend Simon Peter? I have listened to him through his walk with Jesus and noted one distinctive about him that is most memorable. He was quick with his mouth but slow with his mind. His heart, however, was always in the right place about the issues, and I believe that endeared him to the Lord, who always looks at the heart instead of the externals. Though Peter’s name has become synonymous with impetuous, Jesus worked on his heart to steer it in the right direction and into the places He desired.

I don’t know how well you’ve checked him out, but recall the famous truckload of promises he heaved on Jesus.

Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will … Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you (Matt. 26:33, 35).

Did Peter mean those words? I will stake my life on the integrity of those words, and the Lord knows it. Just check what the Lord predicted about how Peter would die after restoring Peter.

 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish (John 21:18).

So, what were all those denials of Jesus in the chief priest’s courtyard when the Lord stood trial in our place (Matthew 26:57-68)? Peter was so severe he called curses on himself that he never knew the man (74). But watch him closely as the cock crows and his face meets that of Jesus, and he remembered these words of the Lord:

Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times (Luke 22:61).

Those words tore through Peter’s heart more than the sharpest knife, and he went outside and wept bitterly. (62). That is the heart Jesus loved about Peter and desires from all of us.

What happened between Matthew 26: 33 -35 and 75? Reality!

Do you recognize Mr. Reality when he checks in at such times? How do you feel about your well-meaning but hastily offloaded promises without considering reality and engaging the services of the best Counselor ever—The Holy Spirit?

That is what James means when he wrote:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19). 

When we pause before speaking, we give the Holy Spirit room to input on the issue at stake, provide understanding, reveal the realities involved, self-control to retrain any rash response, and wisdom to speak or act righteously. Hopefully when we fail, our hearts would be right before the Lord, who offers forgiveness, restoration, and peace of mind.

Don’t we all need Him this week?

Pray with Me

Lord, be merciful and restrain our tongue before we speak without knowledge. Spirit of God, we need your fruit of self-control and wisdom to act right at all times. May our heart be right with you when we fall, and may you forgive and restore us when you bring us to repentance. Thank you in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.