Shadow of Denial

“Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me 3 times.” ~Matthew 26:34

Simon Peter - Disciple of Jesus

I thought my heart was sold out for the cause; or rather the man behind the cause. He just showed up one day while I was fishing: “Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” he said. From that moment on, I was 100 percent in, or so I thought. I grew to love him more and more each day that I spent with him. I would have done anything for him, but the day he was arrested something changed. Earlier that day, he said I would disown him three times before the rooster crowed that night. I didn’t believe him for a second. It seemed absolutely impossible! But it happened, just the way he said it would. The crowds were so angry, and I was so confused. Something in my heart was holding me back and keeping me from remaining faithful to the best friend I'd ever had. Something dark. Something unchecked. Something unidentified, unnoticed, unhealed. Something was hidden in the shadows, and that “something” almost cost me everything. I couldn't bear for it to ever happen again.

Contemplate

Have you ever denied (or wished you could deny) knowing a friend? Why?

If you don't currently have a relationship with Jesus, why do you think a Christian might deny or try to hide their relationship with Jesus in certain circumstances? Do you think they should?

For those that do have a relationship with Jesus...

How have the pressures of the culture kept you from from being completely forthright about your relationship with Jesus?

Recall a specific time you hid your relationship with Jesus (to one degree or another). What, specifically, were the circumstances?

What are the key factors or temptations that cause you to keep your relationship with Jesus either partially or periodically “undercover?”