Matthew 26:67-75
Key verse: (v70) “But he denied it
before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.”
Parallels: Mark 14:66-72, Luke
12:56-62, John 18:15-18,25-27
To deny is to say that something is
not true and refuses to admit the same. This also implies intentional opposition.
Ways of denial are lack of knowledge about Jesus (Mt 26:70), swearing in Jesus’
name (Mt 26:74), lying (Mk 14:68), cursing self using Jesus’ name (Mk 14:71),
deliberate ignorance (Lk 22:57,59-60) and distances from meetings
where Jesus is being preached (Jn
18:16).
.
DIFFERENT MANNER OF MAN’S DENIAL. To
declare as untrue or to give a negative answer involves a firm refusal and
disputing of truth. A man says it in the
open that he does not know what is being charged or presented. “Wala ko kahibalo
sa inyong gipanulti.” (Matthew 26:70). With four gospels expressing different
perspectives that complement each other and help fill out the picture of Jesus’
divinity, there are still many who claim unfamiliarity with the begotten son of
God and show utter unbelief by simply calling him a mere man who is either holy
or enlightened, a wise moral teacher, a simple prophet or an archangel without
carefully studying the bible and as a consequence left unconvinced because the
spirit of unbelief that controlled them has already took them in the wrong
direction.
.
In another manner, a man who denies
and does not approve or recognize any identity. “Wala ako makaila kaniya” (Mark
14:68). In his futile attempt to suggest his intellectual assent and his own
overbearing confidence, he denies Jesus and refuses to accept Him as the true
son of God. It is unreasonable to think such man would be converted to faith in
Jesus without the prospect of experiencing God’s power in his life but given
his repudiation to be familiar with the Lord, he misses out the promise of
being with Him in paradise.
.
Still, when one denies, his firm
“no” is always his answer. “Dili ako” (John 18:18,25). As in a congressman
denying any charges of corruption and wrongdoing, a man who disowns strongly
fixes his place of rejection. He is not easily moved or disturbed. This man’s
short view desperately needs Jesus even more in order to know the bright light
of learning about his salvation.
.
DIFFERENT EVENTS FROM MAN’S DENIAL
(Matthew 26:75). The final outcome of rejection is usually unsympathetic and
damaging and one will have a full memory of it after recounting the unpleasant
incident. He will soon remember how mistaken he was, realizing it was harmful
to himself and others, devious and a conduct contrary to goodness. “Ug si Pedro
nahinumdom sa pulong nga gisulti ni Jesus.” Isaiah 43:26 says, “Papahinumduman
mo ako; managdungan kita sa pagpangaliyupo: ipagula ang imong katarungan, aron ikaw
pagapakamatarungon.”
.
Next, something will remind him to
think about it over again. “Sa dili pa motuktugaok ang usa ka sunoy ilimod
mo ako sa tulo ka higayon.” Psalm
119:129 says, “Mga katingalahan ang imong mga pagpamatuod; Busa nagabantay
kanila ang akong kalag.”
.
Then he will regret for doing so
and express his sad feelings over the situation of his life for his unbelief.
“Ug siya migawas ug mihilak sa hilabihan.” Isaiah 65:14 says, “Ania karon, ang
akong mga alagad manag-awit tungod sa kalipay sa kasingkasing, apan kamo
managhilak tungod sa kasubo sa kasingkasing, ug managbakho tungod sa kaguol sa
espiritu.”
.
To end, there is subtle danger in
denying Jesus. He is our savior who has paid the penalty for our sins and
broken its power forever. We need to
saturate our thoughts and choose to accept and believe him. It is easy to misunderstand,
misread, misinterpret and get the wrong idea but unlike the man who denies, he
chose not to see Jesus as the God-sent Messiah (Luke 10:16). It is his fault
the full significance of God’s wisdom is not in
him and God will handle his verdict on him in His perfect time and way
(John 12:48). AMEN
