LENT SERMON SERIES: FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION IN CHRIST (Matthew 26:69-75)

A rooster crowing is not unusual. It is a sign that morning is coming. But the crowing of the rooster while Jesus was being tried before the high priest Caiaphas was like a slap in the face for Peter. It was a sign from Jesus. The crowing rooster was a sign that Peter had denied Jesus three times. A sign that Peter was unable to keep his promise to Jesus. A sign that Jesus knew Peter and understood his heart. A sign that Peter could pretend before people, but not before God. A sign that Peter — and all of us — need forgiveness and restoration in Christ. Our theme: Forgiveness and Restoration in Christ

 

Making promises is easy. Confessing faith with our lips is easy.
But keeping our promises and holding firmly to our confession is not easy. Confession and promises must be proven throughout life. Temptations that shake our faith can come at any time, just as they did to Peter. Peter once promised he would remain faithful to Jesus until death (Matthew 26:35). But he failed. In less than a day, Peter denied Jesus. Two servant girls and others said: “You were with Jesus of Galilee.” “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” “Surely you are one of them — your accent shows it.” A person’s accent often reveals where they come from. These accusations were not made by soldiers or religious leaders, but by servant girls and bystanders. Yet Peter denied them all. He didn’t just deny — he cursed and swore: “I do not know that man.” It was a strong and firm denial. While Jesus was being tried before Caiaphas, Peter was also being “tried” by the crowd in the courtyard. Jesus was faithful and obedient.
Peter, however, lied. Then the rooster crowed. Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” He remembered his bold promise — a promise he had now denied. Not once, but three times. Peter went outside and wept bitterly. His heart was broken. His performance before people had succeeded—but not before God.

The crowing rooster awakened Peter’s conscience. But his tears were not enough. Peter needed forgiveness and restoration from Jesus.

 

In Gospel of John 21:15–19, after His resurrection, Jesus gave Peter the chance to experience forgiveness and restoration. Jesus’ forgiveness was not partial. He did not only erase Peter’s sin. He also gave him a new opportunity to serve. Peter’s story did not end in failure, but in forgiveness and restoration.

Church tradition tells us that Peter later died in Rome around AD 64–67. He was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same position as Jesus. Forgiveness and restoration enabled Peter to remain faithful until death.

 

Brothers and sisters, we are no different from Peter. Let us recognize our weaknesses before God. Let us reflect on the sins that grieve His heart. Jesus’ sacrifice should lead us to repentance. Do not live in hypocrisy. Jesus’ love gave great forgiveness to Peter — even after he denied Him. If we come with repentance, Jesus will forgive and restore us. God’s grace makes us worthy to receive forgiveness and restoration. The confession and promises spoken by Confirmation candidates are promises to God. Let them not be sweet words only. Before people we may pretend —but not before God. Let us learn not only to speak promises, but to live them faithfully. Do not rely on your own strength. Surrender fully to God’s guidance. As Christ faithfully fulfilled His promise — even to the cross —let us also be faithful to our confession and promises when we are confirmed as members of the Church: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. God bless you. Amen.

 

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