2. Famous
Last
Words

3. Before the Rooster Crows…
Week 1 of Famous Last Words

4. Matthew 26:30-35
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

5. But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee
But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”

6. Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

7. The fall…

8. Matthew 26:58
…And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end...

9. Matthew 26:69-75
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." 1

10. …And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man.“ 2

11. After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man.“ 3

12. And immediately the rooster crowed
And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

13. Jesus knows I will fall

14. Help & Hope…
Jesus and I can both trust God’s Word

15. Some Help from God’s Word
Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

16. Some Help from God’s Word
God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong. (1 John 1:9)

17. Some Help from God’s Word
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:11-13)

18. The rest of the story…

19. John 21:12-19 Jesus served them breakfast
Asked Peter if he loved him (x3)
Each time, Jesus directed Peter to his role on Jesus’ team
Finished it with the words that started it: FOLLOW ME

20. Jesus will restore me …as I return to Him

21. Challenge This Week
When something comes up where you sinned or feel like you’ve disappointed God…
Remember God knew it and sent Jesus anyway
Put 1 or 2 Bible verses close by and spend ‘em
Confess, repent, and let Him restore you
Then, walk in the freedom of Christ!