“Peter’s Journey From Boldness To Brokenness”

 The Book of Mark

Encountering The Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ

Introduction:

Good morning my brothers and sisters. Welcome to Eastern Shore Baptist Church. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here at ESBC. You are our honored guests and we are so thrilled and thankful that you have come to worship with us this morning. I also want to take a moment and greet all of you who are watching and worshipping with us online this morning. Church, did you know that we have hundreds of people viewing the broadcast of our service. People from right here on the Eastern Shore as well as around the world tuning in to hear Scripture read, people pray, songs sung and yes…a sermon. So whether you are present in the pews or present in the cyberspace views, welcome. 

Over the last nearly 20 weeks, our church has been engaged in a walk through Mark’s Gospel. The series has been entitled “The Book of Mark, Encountering The Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ.” Today’s message is entitled “Peter’s Journey From Boldness To Brokenness”.

Today’s Message:

“Peter’s Journey From Boldness To Brokenness”

I sure am thankful that Peter is in the Bible. Why do I say that? I say that because I see a lot of me in Peter. Maybe I see a lot of Peter in me. By the way, I’m not talking about the Peter that walked on water. I’m not talking about the Peter who boldly preached in Acts 2, leading thousands to Christ. I am not talking about the Apostle Peter, the early church father. Sadly, that is not the version of Peter that I see in myself. I see the Peter who sank under the weight of the waves. I see the Peter who seemed to always doubt Jesus, question Christ…the Peter that Jesus had to regularly chastise and correct. Sadly, I see the Peter that denied Christ, not once, not twice, but three separate times after he told Jesus that he would never leave His side. That is the Peter that I often compare myself to. 

Im thankful that Peter is the in the Bible because Peter was flawed. Peter regularly failed, fell short. Peter would say the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person. Peter let down his Master when he fell asleep in the Garden. That is a total Stuart move if there ever was one. Peter had the problem of saying one thing and then doing something in reverse. Don’t believe me, ask Paul. Yes, there were times where Peter would be bold, courageous even, brave. However, it was all a front to mask his insecurities. He was a big talker but when the pressure mounted, he would often fold like a deck of cards. He wore a false mask of zeal to camouflage his fear. Peter would often flaunt gifts that he didn’t possess. You might even say that Peter was decisively indecisive. 

I am so thankful that Peter is in the Bible. Are you? You know, if we are being honest this morning, we are all thankful that Peter is in the Bible because we all see ourselves in his life. You see, Peter represents the human condition. The person of Peter reveals the fickleness and frailty of being human, how easily we are led astray, and how easily we are broken by our sin. 

Peter may have been fickle, the same can be said for you and I. We too can be fundamentally flawed can’t we?

But then we get to God. Raise your hand if you are glad that God is not like us! 

Jesus lived among us, knew us, walked with us, but how many of you are thankful this morning that Jesus does not act like us? Show of hands.

How many of you are thankful that God does not hold grudges. When we seek His grace, when He gives us His mercy, we are set from our sin. How many, by a show of hands, is grateful for that mercy and grace?

Illustration:

You know, I recently heard a story about a pastor’s son who had gone shopping with his mom. This was a pretty little fella and his mom had taken him to one of those big department stores to shop for some new clothes, some new shoes, for his first day of school. He was awful. When he didn’t receive the shoes he wanted, he screamed in the store. When he got an off brand of blue jeans, he stomped his foot and threw a tantrum. He would run down the aisles, not listening to his mother the entire time. 

As they were driving home, the mom sat quietly in the driver’s seat. Not speaking a word to her son. The little boy, sensing his mother’s displeasure said “When we ask God to forgive us when we are bad. He does, doesn’t he?” His mother replied, “Definitely, yes.”

The boy continued cautiously, “And when he forgives us. He buries our sins in the deepest sea, doesn’t he?” The mom replied, “Definitely, yes.”

The boy was silent for a while and then said, “I’ve asked God to forgive me, but I bet when we get home, you’re going fishing for those sins aren’t you?” The mother replied, “Definitely, yes!”

That’s a great story! That story connects well to our thought for the day. Fill in the blanks under today’s thought for me. Fantastic news! Even when your faith fails, Jesus forgives. 

Today’s Thought:

Fantastic News! Even When Your Faith Fails, Jesus Forgives!

You know, the Bible is filled with failures. In fact, the very first story recorded in the Bible is a story of failure. Adam and Eve FAILED to obey the Lord. The failure of mankind is woven like a disappointing thread through the whole of the Bible. 

In preparing for today’s message I read from N.T. Wright’s commentary on Mark. Listen to what he says about Peter’s failure. 

“Peter’s denial is a story of failure, but also of forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that even when we fail, Jesus does not give up on us. Peter’s story doesn’t end in denial; it ends in restoration and a renewed call to follow Christ.”

Today’s Quote:

“Peter’s denial is a story of failure, but also of forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that even when we fail, Jesus does not give up on us. Peter’s story doesn’t end in denial; it ends in restoration and a renewed call to follow Christ.”

N.T. Wright, “Mark For Everyone”

Background and Context:

Before we dive into Mark 14:53-72, let’s set the scene. Picture this: Jesus has just been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. It’s a dark night, not just physically, but spiritually. His disciples, the very ones who promised to stand by Him, have scattered in fear. Judas, one of His own, has betrayed Him with a kiss, leading to His capture. Now, Jesus is being dragged before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, for a trial that’s anything but fair.

What happens before this passage is the heartbreaking moment of betrayal, where Jesus is arrested and taken away, and Peter follows at a distance, wrestling with his own fear. And after this passage, Peter will do something he never thought possible—deny Jesus three times, just as Jesus predicted. But even in this darkest hour, as we’re about to read, there’s a glimmer of hope. Because what we’re witnessing isn’t just the trial of Jesus; it’s the unfolding of God’s plan for redemption, a plan that will eventually lead to the cross, the resurrection, and the offer of forgiveness and new life for all of us.

Today’s Scripture:

Mark 14:53-72 ESV

And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. [54] And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. [55] Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. [56] For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. [57] And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, [58] "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" [59] Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. [60] And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" [61] But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" [62] And Jesus said, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." [63] And the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further witnesses do we need? [64] You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?" And they all condemned him as deserving death. [65] And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards received him with blows. [66] And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, [67] and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus." [68] But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you mean." And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. [69] And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." [70] But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." [71] But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak." [72] And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Pastor: “This is the Word of the Lord”

Congregation: “Praise His name, praise His Holy name.”

How Can We Learn To Forgive Like Jesus?

First, The Certainty of Betrayal vs. 66-72

So, after reading from Mark 14, after reading about Peter’s failure, I want to reveal to you some things that we can learn. I want to answer the question, “how can we learn to forgive like Jesus”.

First, in order to forgive like Jesus, we have to understand the certainty of betrayal. That is our first point this morning. The certainty of betrayal. 

Jesus certainly knew that His disciples would betray Him. We witness this foreknowledge in John’s Gospel. 

John 13:21 (ESV) 

“After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’”

True, He was speaking directly of Judas in that passage but He knew that Peter would be guilty as well as the rest of the team. They would all betray Him. 

This is one of the darkest moment in human history. Jesus has been arrested. He is staring death in the face as He makes His way towards the doom of the cross. Jesus is by Himself on this journey. Soon, His Father will turn His back on His Son and for the first time, the Tri-Unity of God will be in conflict as Jesus takes on the sin of the world. 

We are not there yet. We are heading there but not there yet. Peter finds himself following close by. He is keeping track of the Master. He can hear Jesus’ testimony. He is within ear shot of the proceedings. Perhaps Peter is trying to make a plan. Maybe he is devising a way to spring Jesus, setting Him free from the clutches of the Pharisees. Sadly that is all Peter will do, plan. It was not just hours earlier that Peter was bold. Peter was a man of action. We discover this from John’s Gospel. 

John 18:10 ESV

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

Following verse 10, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away. Jesus then reaches down, picks up the severed ear, and places it back on the man’s head. The man was healed in that instant. 

It was as if when Peter put his sword away that he put his courage away as well. Remember, we talked about Jesus’ Last Supper last week. Peter told Jesus that he would never turn on Jesus. He said that he would never deny Christ. He even told Jesus that he would follow Jesus unto death if that was what was needed of him. 

Mark 14:27-31 ESV

And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' [28] But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." [29] Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." [30] And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." [31] But he said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.

What happened to that Peter? Where did that Peter go?

You know, one of my favorite quotes ever came from none other than Iron Mike Tyson. You probably know the one that I am talking about. 

Mike Tyson was being interviewed about an upcoming fight. I believe it was the fight with Boston native Peter McNeely. McNeely had been talking a lot of trash in the press about being ready for Tyson. He was prepared. He had a plan. He was confident that he was going to defeat the mighty Mike Tyson. 

The interviewer asked Tyson what he thought of McNeely’s commentary. Mike Tyson said the following, “Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. 

Peter got punched in the mouth and it revealed the core of his character. Peter’s plan had been shattered and he didn’t know what to do. When pressed about his knowledge of Jesus Peter slunk back into the shadows. Peter betrayed Jesus by saying that he didn’t know Jesus, that he was not one of his followers, and that he never knew Christ. 

Luke’s Gospel gives us a slightly more interesting picture of Peter’s denial. Luke remembers one detail that is not captured in any of the other Gospels. In fact, I believe that Luke must have spoken directly to Peter and it was actually Peter who provides this particular detail. It is a detail that only Peter could have known. Listen to Luke 22:61, 

Luke 22:61 ESV

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times."

Imagine that! Peter denied Jesus three times. 

“I don’t know this man.”

“Im not one of His followers.”

“Leave me alone! I am not His disciple!”

Then in that moment, Jesus locks eyes with Peter. Can you see it friends? Put yourself in that moment? Imagine the pain of that betrayal. Imagine how hurtful, how scaring, how disappointing. 

Now, it’s easy to shake our heads at Peter, but let’s be real—we’ve all been there. We’ve all had those moments where we’ve let Jesus down, where we’ve hurt the people we care about. Maybe we’ve said something in anger, failed to stand up for someone, or let fear drive our actions instead of love. In those moments, we’re not so different from Peter. We’ve all betrayed Christ in some way, and we’ve all caused pain to the ones we love.

But here’s where it gets powerful: just as Peter denied Jesus, Jesus knew it would happen and still loved Peter. After the resurrection, Jesus didn’t hold Peter’s failure over him. Instead, He offered Peter grace, forgiveness, and a chance at redemption. And that’s what we’re called to do too. We’re going to get hurt in this life—by friends, by family, even by fellow believers. But when we’re hurt, our default position shouldn’t be to hold grudges or seek revenge. It should be to extend grace, to forgive, to show mercy.

Why? Because we’re going to need that same grace ourselves one day. We’re all going to mess up; we’re all going to fail someone we love. And when that day comes, we’re going to hope and pray that they’ll show us the same grace we’re called to give others.

So, let’s be a people who forgive, who offer grace, who reflect the heart of Jesus in how we treat those who hurt us. Because the truth is, we’re all Peter sometimes, and we all need a Savior who looks at us with love, even in our worst moments.

John 13:21 (ESV) 

“After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’”

Second, The Compassion In Forgiveness vs. 72

So, how can we learn to forgive like Jesus? I think that the first step is to acknowledge that hurt is on its way. People are going to let us down. It is not “if” but “when”. Not only are people going to let us down but we will let each other down as well. Give grace. One day you’ll need it yourself. 

Let’s answer our second point. Understand that there is compassion in forgiveness. 

Do me a favor and open your Bibles to Matthew 18 and go to verse 21. I’ll read it for you this morning. 

Matthew 18:21-22 ESV

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Here we have Peter, the same Peter who would betray Christ, asking Jesus how many times he should have to forgive a brother who sinned against him. Jesus provides Peter a curious answer. I will talk about that in a moment. After Jesus gives Peter an answer He follows up with a parable about an unforgiving servant. 

The Parable tells the story of a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed the king an enormous debt—so large that he could never repay it. The king ordered that the servant, his family, and all his possessions be sold to repay the debt. But when the servant begged for mercy, the king, moved with compassion, forgave the entire debt.

However, that same servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a small amount of money. Instead of showing the same mercy he had received, he grabbed the man, demanded payment, and had him thrown into prison when he couldn’t pay.

When the king heard about this, he was furious. He summoned the unforgiving servant and said, “I forgave you that enormous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” The king then handed the unforgiving servant over to the jailers until he could repay his debt.

Simply put, the parable illustrates the importance of forgiving others the way that God has forgiven us. 

However, go back to Jesus’ answer.  

As many as seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

First off, why does Peter ask Jesus the question about forgiveness? Basically, Peter wanted to know the limit of forgiveness. When is it appropriate to not forgive but to hold a grudge, seek revenge, ask for retribution? Surly there must be a limit to grace. Boy there has been times I wished that were true. Peter was essentially asking, “When is enough enough? When can I stop forgiving?” It’s a question many of us have probably asked in some form, especially when dealing with repeated hurt or betrayal.

In Jewish tradition at the time, it was commonly taught that forgiving someone three times was sufficient. Peter, knowing that Jesus often called His followers to go beyond the norm, might have thought that suggesting seven times—a number symbolizing completeness—would be a generous and righteous approach.

Do the math friends, Jesus tells Peter that we should forgive 7 times 77. That’s 539 times. Now Jesus is clearly speaking with a bit of hyperbole. He is making a funny. He is telling a joke. In fact, when Jesus said this to Peter, those who were listening would have laughed. Jesus is not telling us that we are supposed to keep a running tally of wrongs and that when we have reached 540 times forgiving our wrongdoer, we are set free from the obligation of forgiveness. No. Jesus is telling us that there is no limit to grace. No limit to mercy. No limit to compassion and love. 

Friends that is good news for us this morning. For one reason, we wrong each other more than that and secondly, we sin against God daily. How thankful I am that there is no end to the grace of the Father. 

When Peter denied Christ, Christ would be able to illustrate this very teaching to Peter after His resurrection. Jesus was able to show Peter the depth of His love for Him. 

You know that reminds me of a familiar song. Maybe you have heard it. 

How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Friends, we should try our best to live out Paul’s words captured in Ephesians 4:32. 

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Lastly, The Commitment To Restore vs. 72

So, our first step to forgiving like Jesus is to know that everyone needs grace, even you. Second, there is great compassion to forgiving. Lastly, there must be a commitment to restore.

We can all agree that the moments leading up to the cross of Christ were some of the darkest days in human history. Peter’s failure, his moral collapse was catastrophic. 

But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus dies. His body is placed in Joseph’s tomb. Three days pass. Dawn on Sunday comes and with it, hope rises from the grave. Jesus is alive. Do you remember what happened? The women come to tell the disciples. The disciples, including Peter think that the women were either hallucinating or drunk. The women were found to be of sound mind so Peter and John run to the tomb. Let me take you to that scene. 

John 20:3-4 ESV

So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. [4] Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

“But the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”

The NASB says it like this…

John 20:4 NASB

The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first;

Peter and John were running together but something happened. John began to outrun Peter. Peter pulled up. He slowed down. Why?

I think you know why. I believe that Peter began to think to himself, “wait, why am I trying to get to this tomb so quick?” I believe that Peter was thinking, “if Jesus is really alive, the last person that He is going to want to see is me”. 

My brother has a saying when there is conflict between people. He will say “that dude didn’t want any of that smoke”. Meaning the person in the wrong doesn’t want any part of being held accountable by the person in the right. 

Simply put, Peter didn’t want any of that smoke. 

Peter was in the wrong. He knew it. If Jesus was alive, it was confirmation that Jesus was truly the Son of the Living God. Peter had just denied God, to His face, eye to eye. 

Still, we know the rest of the story. Jesus reveals Himself to Peter and to the disciples. For 40 days Jesus walks, talks, and eats with His followers. During that time, Jesus forgives Peter 7 times 77. Go to John 21 verse 15 in your Bibles. 

John 21:15-17 NLT

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. [16] Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. [17] A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.

Three times Jesus asks Peter if He loves Him. Three times. Why do you think that Jesus does that?That’s right. Jesus provided Peter three times to confirm his love to cover the three times that Peter had denied Jesus. Jesus covers Peter’s sin with His grace and His blood. One of my all time favorite verses in the Bible was written by Peter. 

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Can’t you imagine that those words were powerfully influenced by this moment with Christ?

Now, is that what it takes to be forgiven by God? For every sin do we need to do something good. Clearly not. That is not how grace works. That is not forgiveness. Jesus is just making a point. Jesus is teaching Peter that He loves Him. Jesus is restoring Peter.

Jesus wants to restore you and I too. 

As we wrap up today’s message, let’s hold tightly to the profound truth that Jesus, in His mercy and grace, desires to restore each and every one of us, just as He restored Peter. Think about Peter’s journey: from denial to restoration. Jesus didn’t leave him in his failure; He reached out, offered forgiveness, and gave him a new beginning.

This is not just a story of Peter’s redemption—it’s a powerful illustration of the restoration that’s available to all of us. Jesus has already done the hard work for us. He paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, a debt we could never repay. He has made a way for us to be reconciled with God, to find healing and forgiveness.

No matter how far we’ve fallen, no matter how many times we’ve stumbled, Jesus stands ready to embrace us with open arms. His grace is sufficient, His love is unfailing, and His power to restore is unmatched. So, let’s come to Him with our brokenness, our regrets, and our fears, knowing that He has already made a way for us to be whole again.

As we leave today, let’s remember that the same grace that restored Peter is available to us. Let’s rest in that grace, live in the light of His forgiveness, and extend that same mercy to others. In Jesus, we find not just forgiveness, but a fresh start and a new hope. Let’s walk in that assurance and share that hope with the world around us. 

You know when I think about grace, Im reminded of a great acrostic. What is grace? Genuine Restoration At Christ’s Expense!

Amen!

 1 Peter 4:8 (NASB)

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Remember, “Grace” Defined…Genuine Restoration At Christ’s Expense!

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the grace and forgiveness You have shown us through Jesus Christ. Just as You forgave and restored Peter, we are reminded that Your grace is boundless and available to each one of us.

Lord, we thank You for the incredible gift of redemption and for the new beginnings You offer. Help us to embrace Your grace fully and to extend that same grace to others in our lives. Teach us to live out forgiveness and to be instruments of Your love and mercy.

If there are those here today who have not yet experienced Your grace, we invite them to open their hearts to Jesus. May they come forward and accept the gift of salvation, knowing that Your arms are wide open, ready to embrace and restore.

We also invite those who have not been baptized to take this important step in their faith journey. Baptism is a beautiful declaration of our new life in Christ, and we are here to support and celebrate with you.

And for those seeking a church family, we welcome you to join us at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. Here, you’ll find a community of believers ready to walk with you in faith, support you, and grow together in the love of Christ.

Lord, we commit all these things into Your hands, trusting in Your grace to guide us. May Your Spirit lead us in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.