Denying Jesus
Matthew 26:74,75 (NKJV): “Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 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.”
A pastor at a church told a joke about certain countries forbidding the practice or gathering of Christianity. One evening, some Christians were secretly meeting and reading the Bible when, suddenly, three soldiers burst through the door with guns drawn and pointing at the people. The soldier leader yelled out, “If you are not a Christian, you are free to leave, but if you are a Christian, you must remain, and you will die!” Half the crowd jumped up and ran out the front door. The remaining people were quiet, holding their Bibles close to their chests and their heads down. Then the Soldier said, “Ok, now that the fake Christians have left, let’s fellowship and read the Bible.”
Although the story above was a joke, the majority of what is going on around the world is very real. Jesus clearly said that if you choose to be a follower of Him (i.e., labeled a Christian), then you will be hated by everyone or even killed. Think about it. There is only a problem if you identify yourself as a Christian or a Jewish person. Remember, Jesus came from the Jewish Tribe of Judah. You can literally claim you are any religion in the world, but the moment you say you are a Christian, you are immediately hated. In today’s culture, Christians are ridiculed, shunned, and practically canceled. Why? The Bible makes the answer very clear. We are wrestling with spiritual forces that are not flesh or blood. The enemy knows that Christianity is a threat to their domain.
Peter and the rest of the disciples told Jesus they would never desert or run away from Jesus. Remember, this was when everything was good, and no guards were around. But as soon as the guards arrested Jesus, ALL the disciples took off running. (Matthew 26:56) Peter followed Jesus in the shadows, but he clearly didn’t want anyone to recognize him as a disciple of Jesus. I can understand they were afraid of dying along with Jesus. But Jesus warned them this would happen.
The time is coming when you must choose. Are you choosing Jesus now while things are not so bad? Or are you one of the silent Christians who don’t want to create waves with anyone? If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Listen to what Jesus said:
Matthew 10:33 (NLT): “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”
Decide now to turn your heart to the Lord. Be truthful and sincere. You will be glad that you did!
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright November 15th, 2026, All Rights Reserved
