The Faces of Easter (week 2: Peter)
Introduction to The Faces of Easter
As we approach Easter, we are invited to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—a story that has shaped the world and continues to change lives. The narrative involves many people, each with their own role to play, responses to the unfolding events, and a personal encounter with the Savior.
In this five-part devotional series, The Faces of Easter, Pastor Daniel will help us explore the key figures in the Easter story—those who were present during the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From the disciples to the religious leaders, from the betrayer to the faithful, each person’s story holds lessons for us today. Together, we will see how their choices and actions helped shape the narrative of Easter.
Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on a different character, starting with Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, moving through Peter, who denied Him, and Pilate, who washed his hands of the decision. We’ll then reflect on the faithfulness of Mary Magdalene, the first to witness the resurrection, before concluding with Jesus Himself, whose death and resurrection offer us forgiveness, hope, and new life.
This devotional series seeks to help us prepare our hearts for Easter by reflecting on the people involved in the story and considering how their experiences mirror our own journeys of faith. Whether we’re struggling with doubts, facing difficult decisions, or seeking a deeper and stronger walk with God, we’ll find our stories intertwined with theirs.
As we walk through these Faces of Easter, we’ll discover not only the impact they had on the events of that first Easter, but how they call us to live with greater faith, repentance, and hope in the Savior who changed everything.
Peter – The Denier
Among the faces of Easter, Peter’s stands out as one filled with passion, devotion, and failure. He was one of Jesus’ closest friends, part of the inner circle, and the first to boldly declare, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 NLT). It’s one of the most defining statements of the New Testament. In our church, when someone follows Jesus’ example and is baptized, they repeat Peter’s confession as a way to identify as one of Jesus’ followers. And yet, in Jesus’ darkest hour, Peter did what he never imagined he would—he denied even knowing Him.
Peter’s story is not just one of failure; it’s a story of redemption. His journey reminds us that no failure is final when grace is involved. What a beautiful reminder for everyone that battles temptation and obstacles as we seek to follow Christ. We may stumble, we may fall, but Jesus always offers us the chance to return to Him.
"Peter declared, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ ‘No!’ Peter insisted. ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!’ And all the other disciples vowed the same."
—Matthew 26:33-35 NLT
"Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, ‘You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.’ But Peter denied it in front of everyone. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. ‘I don’t even know the man,’ he said. A little later, some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.’ Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!’ And immediately the rooster crowed."
—Matthew 26:69-74 NLT
"Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And he went away, weeping bitterly."
—Matthew 26:75 NLT
Peter’s story is one we can all relate to. He was bold, passionate, and sincere in his love for Jesus, yet he overestimated his own strength. Just hours after proclaiming that he would never leave Jesus, he denied Him not once, not twice, but three times.
It’s easy to criticize Peter, but imagine what he was facing. Jesus had been arrested, the disciples had scattered, and the weight of fear pressed down on him. When confronted, Peter reacted out of self-preservation. His words—"I don’t even know the man!"—cut deep, not just in betrayal, but in his own soul.
The moment the rooster crowed, Peter realized what he had done. Luke’s Gospel tells us that at that moment, Jesus turned and looked at Peter (Luke 22:61). That look must have pierced Peter’s heart, not with condemnation, but with sorrow. He had failed, just as Jesus had said he would. Surely everyone of us has felt what Peter felt in that moment of failure. The feeling that we had let down our Savior. The feeling that we would never be worthy again. The feeling that our failure would have the final say in our story.
But Peter’s story doesn’t end in failure. After the resurrection, Jesus seeks him out. In John 21, Jesus restores Peter by asking him three times, “Do you love me?”—one question for each denial. Each time, Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” And each time, Jesus gives him a mission: Feed my sheep.
Jesus did not discard Peter because of his failure. His failure was not his last chapter (and neither is ours!). Instead, He redeemed him, restored him, and used him to help build the church. Peter’s greatest failure was not the end of his story—grace was.
Personal Reflection
Peter’s story teaches us that failure does not disqualify us from God’s love or purpose. Like Peter, we may have moments of weakness, where fear or pressure causes us to distance ourselves from Jesus. But Jesus does not abandon us in our failure. He invites us to return, to be restored, and to step forward in faith once more.
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
· Are there times when fear or pressure has made you hesitant to stand boldly for Jesus?
· How do you respond when you fail—do you isolate yourself in shame or turn back to Jesus for restoration?
· What does Peter’s story teach you about God’s grace and your own journey of faith?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Like Peter, I have promised to follow You wholeheartedly, but I confess there are times I have failed. I have let fear, pride, or doubt keep me from standing for You. Thank You for Your grace that never gives up on me. When I stumble, help me to turn back to You, knowing that You are always ready to restore and renew me. Teach me to trust in Your strength rather than my own. Use my life for Your glory, just as You did with Peter.
In Your name, Amen.
Peter’s story reminds us that our failures do not define us—God’s grace does. No matter how many times we fall, Jesus stands ready to lift us up and call us forward. Let this encourage you as you continue to walk with Him this Easter season.
