THE UNKNOWN SELF

JOHN 13:36–38

“Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times”

(John 13:38).

Just as Jesus had told the Pharisees that He was going to a place where they could not follow, He told the disciples the same thing. But there is one difference: unlike the Pharisees, the disciples will follow Him, only later. Though they would not be crucified with Him, they would go the way of Christ eventually. Peter, especially, would follow this way as he would one day be crucified too.

But impulsive as ever, Peter didn’t want to wait. He wanted to follow Jesus right then. He had enough sense about him to realize that following his Lord meant he would have to die, but he didn’t realize the weakness of his own character and his need to rely on Christ for strength. So without stopping to consider himself, he blurted out, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” No doubt Peter was sincere, but like so many of us, he gave himself more credit than he deserved.

Jesus, of course, knew Peter’s heart, and responded with a sudden but gentle rebuke: “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.” Peter might have been able to deceive himself, however unintentionally, but he could not deceive his God, who knows our hidden faults.

Hendriksen comments that this display of Peter’s is probably the best illustration found anywhere in Scripture of “The Unknown Self.” While it was to Peter’s credit that he was deeply devoted to his Master, he was impatient and self-reliant. He thought he was ready to face the trial that awaited him, but little did he know how weak he really was. Not until he had been humbled by his own unfaithfulness did he realize the full extent of his pride. He who had been ready to die for his Lord would soon deny he ever knew Him! From Peter’s example, we learn that no matter how noble a man’s intentions, he is “unstable as water.” We can only rely on God, for He alone is steadfast and ever faithful.

The importance of a Christian knowing himself cannot be stressed enough. We so easily deceive ourselves. That is why we must pray as David did, that God reveal our hidden faults so that we do not blindly fall into sin because of our pride and conceit.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 90–92

Romans 11:1–21

One way you get to know yourself is through reading the Scriptures. This is like holding up a mirror to yourself. Another way is through prayer, asking God to reveal your hidden faults. Lastly, you can listen to what others observe about you. Today, read Galatians 5:16–26. Prayerfully compare yourself to what you read.

For further study: Matt. 26:31–35 • Mark 14:66–72 • Luke 22:31–34; 54–62

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