i do not know the man

8/3/2019 I Do Not Know The Man

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Word from The WORD

I do not know the Man

We all at times in our lives find ourselves in

situations when people ignore us or deny

association with us, dont we? People mightnot want to associate with us, because we

arent popular and some because we dont

have anything unique to offer or because

we are not handsome or beautiful or smart

and some because we do not satisfy them.

And there are also times when people might

ignore us to avoid attracting trouble which

might come their way because of associating with us. Whatever may be

the reason, being ignored or denied association is hurtful. It is even more

hurtful when it is through our closest of friends and family and colleagues.

Some even end up as loners people ignore them and some even go to the

extent of ending their lives due to depression.

Jesus was denied by those whom He called friends and by the closest of

them who even promised that they would not, Peter said to him, Even if

I must die with you, I will not deny you! And all the disciples said the

same. Matthew 26:35 (ESV)

It were not only His disciples and Peter who denied Him, we too deny

Jesus in our everyday affairs by our walk, talk and thought. A fresh and

closer look at Peters denial of Jesus would not only enlighten us on this

issue, but would also point out to areas in our lives where we deny Jesus

and would help us to analyse and align ourselves to God.

Some might argue that denial or disassociation is a personality trait. That

is, you cannot expect a timid person to associate with someone who is in

trouble because of fears of himself being put to trouble. But here, it is

Peter, the Point-blank is the one who denies Jesus. The very first disciple

who confessed that he will not deny; who even resort to violence todefend Jesus! Many a times we too take up fanatic approaches to defend

Christ and Christianity and all the way actually denying His and its

essence and purpose; where our defence itself becomes the denial.

And when Christ and the Scripture and other Christians confront us, we

might not only resign ourselves from the act of defending but might also

go into our own shells, as with the case of Peter and would refuse active

participation. I would urge the readers to read the passage Matthew

26:69-75 and Mark 14:66-72 and Luke 22:54-62 and John 18:15-18; 25-27

before going further. A careful reading, observation and interpretation of

Author: Mariyosh J [email protected] Word from The WORD
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Word from The WORD

these passages bring in various perspectives to the denial of Christ in our

lives and in our societies, helping us to understand our position.

1. Denying the Allegiance

But he denied it before them all, saying, I do not know what youmean. Matthew 26:70 (ESV)

In this context denying knowledge is denying allegiance allegiance to

Christianity, the faith system and the religion. It is to say I am not a

Christian. Not willing to divulge to others that you are a Christian at the

workplace or at the neighbourhood. Because such divulgence would

demand us to act like a Christian, at least in ways the society thinks of a

good Christian one with good moral behaviour, integrity, etc. If you are

not willing to divulge to others that you are a Christian, then you need to

check your life for your priorities and preferences.

The most dangerous condition is when a

Christian adorns dual identity denying the

world among Christians and denying Christ

and Christian values & ethics among non-

Christians and in pluralistic setups. That is,

living a hypocritical life. C.S. Lewis in his

The Screwtape Letters beautifully

portrays the life of such a person .hecan be induced to live, as I have known

many human lives, for quite long periods, two parallel lives; he will not

only appear to be, but actually be, a different man in each of the circle he

frequents.. He can be taught to enjoy kneeling beside the grocer on

Sunday just because he remembers that the grocer could not possibly

understand the urbane and mocking world which he inhabited on

Saturday evening; and contrariwise, to enjoy the bawdy and blasphemy

over the coffee with those admirable friends all the more because he is

aware of a deeper, spiritual world within him which they cannot

understand. Thus, while being permanently treacherous to at least two

sets of people, he will feel, instead of shame, a continual undercurrent of

self-satisfaction.

2. Denying the Person

And again he denied it with an oath: I do not know the

man. Matthew 26:72 (ESV)

Here denying knowledge is denying the person of Jesus Christ and the

exclusivity of the gospel. Why am I saying this? Because the servant girland the people pointing out to Peters association only with Jesus and no

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Word from The WORD

one else. He was caught up in a position either to claim or disclaim his

association with Jesus. How many times are we caught in such a situation!

What is our response?

3. Denying the Influence

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. And immediately the rooster crowed. Matthew 26:73-

74 (ESV)

Denying the person of Jesus Christ and His influence on your character

and behaviour. Being part of the Christian system either because one is

born into it or because of being benefitted out of it - like studying in a

Christian institution, would have its influence on the person. And it doesnt

go unnoticed.

When I am appreciated for my good moral behaviour or gifting or

etiquette do I acknowledge Christ and Christian influence?

Looking at it from a different point of view - does my behaviour exhibit

Christian character? Am I claiming Christ just by words and not by my

works?

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered thesaying of the Lord, how he had said to him, Before the rooster crows

today, you will deny me three times.And he went out and wept

bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 (ESV)

Every time we deny Jesus, we need to remember that He is looking at us.

May we be sensitive to His look and let His eyes pierce our heart and

produce repentance and let His Spirit revive us! The Spirit who turned this

denying Peter into testifying Peter, can change us too.

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressedthem: Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to

you, and give ear to my words.Acts 2:14 (ESV) This Jesus God raised up,

and of that we all are witnesses. Acts 2:32 (ESV)

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i do not know the man

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