The events of the Week that Changed the World continue to unfold. The Last Supper and Christ’s agonized prayer in the garden are over. Early on Friday morning Jesus is on trial before the ruling council. Simon Peter mustered up the courage to follow Jesus to the trial, but when he is put to the test, his courage utterly fails and he makes the worst mistake imaginable. Is it possible for Peter to recover from total failure? Is it possible for us to recover from total failure?

Scripture Reference

Mark 14: 66-72, John 21: 15-19

Sermon Audio

Sermon Notes

The Total Failure of Simon Peter

  1. Jesus stood trial alone – the disciples fled, though Peter at least followed
  2. Peter’s denial (verses 66-71)
    1. Peter lied, invoked God’s curse, and invited Christ’s denial (Matthew 10: 33)
  3. Peter realized his failure and it broke him (verse 72)

Can You Recover from Total Failure?

  1. Is it possible when you’ve failed so badly you wonder if God could ever love you?
  2. It’s possible through Christ, not hard work, good intentions, or perseverance

How Do You Recover from Total Failure?

  1. REPENT! – Peter wept (verse 72), Jesus took it from there (John 21: 15-19)
  2. LOVE JESUS! (verses 15-17) – restoration was based on love for Christ alone
  3. FOLLOW HIM! (verses 18-19)
    1. Accept Christ’s forgiveness and love (1 John 1: 9), then follow – the call of Jesus
    2. In the Spirit – the difference between failed Peter and Peter the Apostle
    3. Peter was used in mighty ways, and eventually would die the death he promised Jesus during the Passion Week – (verses 18-19) describe his future crucifixion