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The Other Side of the Coin

Text: Matthew 10 : 32- 42

As a coin has two sides, so there were two sides to the subject of confessing Jesus before men. He went on to make this solemn statement.

“But whoever denies Me before men, Him I
will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:33

Obviously, “confession” and “denial” are set as the two sides of the same coin. How should we understand this statement about the denial of Jesus?

1. Definition of the word “deny” in this context

It is important that we begin with a lexical approach. The Greek word here may be described as “repudiation”. It may even be rendered as “disowning”.

Given this lexical definition, we are now better able to comprehend what Jesus was speaking about, and why He seemed to take such a strong stance concerning those who “deny” Him.

It is important also to note that the lexical approach is not the only thing to consider. There are other considerations. One of these considerations is the word “context”.

2. Denial as a deliberate act

The contrast between “confession” and “denial” helps us appreciate the context better. Just as “confession” involved a number of factors, so denial must be understood in the same light. Denial is a very grave sin indeed.

a) Deliberate rejection of Jesus

Denial in this context refers to a person who knowingly rejects Jesus as Saviour and Lord! The listener or even disciple after having heard Jesus carefully rejects all that Jesus taught and represented. With full understanding, he rejects Jesus.

b) Disdaining Jesus

In this manner of rejecting, he has in fact disdained Jesus. If he had been a disciple, it would mean that he had broken ties with Him, and has forsaken His company and His teachings.

3. What about denial in moments of great duress?

Did not the Scriptures teach that the disciples denied Jesus, especially Peter? How do we understand such texts (Cf. Matthew 26:70, 72, 75)? If we were to woodenly apply the lexical meaning of a word, then we would have a serious contradiction in the Scriptures.

a) Context determines the meaning of a word

Obviously, a word may be understood in a number of ways. The most important thing to consider is the context. The application of the word in context gives the true meaning of the word.

b) Peter’s denial of Jesus!

The same word was used in the above-mentioned texts. The Scriptures mince no words when describing the painful denial of Jesus by the leading disciple Peter.

c) Denial that stems from fear

However, Peter did not deny Jesus because he had become an apostate. He stumbled over his fear of men, and ended up denying his Master. Soon after, he was filled with remorse and repentance and wept bitterly over his sin (Cf. Matthew 26:75f).

4. In Summary

The word “denial” can thus be used in two ways. The first reflects a person who has not genuinely believed in Jesus in the first place. He may be a good listener, and may even appear to be a follower. However, he could as soon leave the company of Jesus as stay in His shadows. The denial of Jesus would wring no tears from his eyes.

The second way in which the word “denial” may be used describes a person who under great stress can blurt out a verbal denial. Though his heart sincerely believes, he is overcome by his fears. There is forgiveness for the individual who sincerely repents from this sin.

HOW JESUS WILL RESPOND TO ANYONE DELIBERATELY DENYING HIM

Jesus spoke very clearly on this subject! What He said was not only with reference to His disciples there and then. It contained an eternal truth that applies to us today!

1. Denial by Jesus

If a person is prepared to deny faith in Jesus, then he must also be prepared to be denied by Jesus! This is a solemn truth!

2. Of Eternal Weight

Jesus had to say these words carefully and clearly. Perhaps, He said these words especially for the benefit of Judas (and others within earshot). There were many who were vacillating and had not made up their minds.

EVERY REASON TO CONFESS RATHER THAN DENY JESUS

Jesus gave every good reason to confess Him before men! He gave no reason for anyone to deny Him at all. The heart of the true disciple of Jesus would balk at the thought of deliberately denying their Teacher, their Friend and their Lord! How the true disciples must have determined within their hearts individually that they would seek to be faithful and true to their Lord!