Easter 2024 - Day 4: Emotions and Pride

Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Matthew 26:33

You know the scene. The twelve plus Jesus were in the upper room sharing the sign of the new covenant. It was an intensely intimate time. According to Luke it was there at the Lord's table that Jesus said, "one of you will betray me." The discussion apparently continued on the short hike to the Mount of Olives and along the way Jesus added, “You will all fall away because of me this night." Mt 26:31 That’s when Peter, compelled by pride, made his remarkable declaration; “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  By the way, we should remember that Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr 16:18 It's easy to be critical of Peter's statement since we know that he soon denied even knowing Jesus. But what is the underlying problem with what he said? May I offer three observations that I believe expose the pride in what he said?

First, he did not take heed of Jesus warning. “You will all fall away because of me this night."  Did the one who knows what is in a man need to specify, "that includes you Peter"? So many times when the word of God is preached, read or studied our thoughts are, yes that is how "they" are, or, I sure hope so and so hears this. When we hear the warning of our Lord's voice in scripture we ought to fall to our knees in response saying, "You are right Lord, I need you, help me, strengthen me, restrain me, keep me…" Every believer should feel as though they have two broken legs and only one crutch. In everything, I need Him under the other shoulder, or I cannot do it.

Second, Peter set himself above the others. “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  That is to say, "others might, but not me!" As if to say, "Don’t you know who I am Lord?" How many times had Jesus addressed this very thing? You remember, A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Lk 22:24 Wonder who started that? We know for sure that Jesus ended it. "For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Lk 9:48 Jesus washed their feet, laid down His life, took the abuse of sinful men and died a sinners death for us… He is the least among them - He is the greatest.

Third, Peter used the word "never". "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”
 
When speaking of things like serving, faithfulness and conquering sin - believers ought to avoid words like "never" and "always". Oh, I would never do that… "Never" like "always" are words overflowing from a heart filled with wicked self-righteous pride. It is a boast of confidence in the flesh. Ph 3:4 I ought to, instead, live in an awareness that I am quite capable of any and every manner of sin. My dependence, therefore, must be entirely in Jesus Christ and His keeping me. "Never" and "always" will not be a reality until in glory I am finally like Him. 2Co 3:18

Amazing, isn't it, how pride is so difficult to detect in oneself? That's because, as with Peter, pride is often masked with religious sounding declarations. How could it be wrong to simply say, I will never fall away? But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Jam 4:6 Pride is simply not allowed in the life of a true believer… God will always root it out - just as He did with Peter… The fall came just as Jesus said it would, and it was painful - but absolutely necessary. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr 16:18

As we move toward Resurrection day, seek to get on God's team with your pride so that Jesus Christ may be truly exalted. Ask Him to show you where pride maybe lurking and the moment He exposes it (do not deny it like Peter), put it to death. Confess and repent of it. Think carefully about what Jesus said about the least and greatest. Lk 9:48 and begin focusing your attention on the greatness of Jesus Christ… His death, burial and resurrection for you.