Explanations Without Excuses

Friday, April 8, 2011 Reading: John 18:25-27 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2018&version=NIV Reflection: The phrase that sticks out to me in these couple of verses is, "...Again Peter denied it..." It's not the fact that Peter isn't strong enough to live up to his words. After all, that seems consistent with his character. Peter was always talking big and underperforming. And it's not that Peter has denied knowing Jesus. All of us have done this from time to time. It's the fact that Peter did it again...and again...that stands out. It seems to me that Peter should have known better. After all, Jesus had just told him that he would disown him three times before the rooster crows. Sure, maybe the first time he was caught off guard. But certainly by the second time he has had a bit of time to realize that what Jesus said was occurring. Then, by the third time, he is without excuse. Now, you might disagree. But it seems to me that Peter has no excuse for his behavior. He may have an explanation...we all do. But an explanation about why we did something is not an excuse for doing something. Especially when you are making the same mistake over and over and over. But that is actually what I love about this story. You see, the fact that Peter repeatedly makes the same mistake and has no excuse for it, and yet Jesus still forgives him after the resurrection, gives me great hope. You see, I too make the same mistakes over and over. I too have explanations without excuses. I too know better and have no way to rationalize my guilt away. And yet, as I throw myself on the mercy and grace of Jesus, He grants me forgiveness. So, for all of those who have explanations without excuses, take hope in the fact that Jesus forgave Peter...and He will forgive you as well.