Matthew 26: 73 – “After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.”
In my recent bible reading in the book of Matthew, I came across the familiar story of Peter denying Jesus three times. This time, the Holy Spirit really illuminated verse 73 for me.
In verses 69-75, we see that Peter was outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him and said, “you were with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it. Then we see another servant girl pointing out to the bystanders that “this man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again, Peter denies it. Then we came to verse 73, and I felt a burning in my heart as the words jumped off the page at me in a way they never had before. The bystanders came up to Peter and said, “certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Peter then denies knowing Jesus.
Jesus’ disciples (except Judas) were from Galilee. Judeans in Jerusalem, in those days, looked down on Galileans for their regional pronunciations. Peter had been identified for being seen with Jesus the Galilean, Jesus of Nazareth, and then by his accent.
When I read this verse, I thought of the times in my life when my accent identified me. I was even made fun of or corrected because of it. I am a Newfoundlander, and although my accent has diminished substantially after living away so long, all it takes is a chat with a family member or friend, and it comes right back. This verse made me realize that a person’s accent could easily point to where they were from so long ago – even before Jesus’ crucifixion.
Although it brought to my mind some similarities with my own life, it also reminded me that regardless of my accent, what is important is that my words should show others that I belong to God. My words should point others to Jesus, and I should speak in such a way that others will know that I belong to Him. I must check my heart to ensure that what I say shows others that I am a child of God. There should be no question that I am a follower of Jesus.
Although most of us will not face persecution as Christians in the early generations of the church did, it may come in the form of being shunned, laughed at, ridiculed, slandered, and ignored for following Jesus. Jesus warned that we may be hated even by our own family members for his name’s sake (Matt 10:21-22), and He also promises that as we acknowledge Him before men, he will acknowledge us before His Father (Matt 10:23). We can rest in knowing that He loves us. Nothing can separate us from His love.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for my life and how You have made each of us unique and special. I am so thankful for the help of Your Holy Spirit to bring to my attention when my words are not in line with Your Word. I may not have the perfect words, and I may not know exactly what to do to help, but in all situations, help me to love people well, give grace and mercy abundantly, and forgive without reservation. Use my life to help plant seeds that you can use for your glory. Let me be known as a Jesus follower and forgive me for the times I may have hidden that truth.
In everything I do, help me remember whose I am and who I represent. More than anything, I want to be known as someone who has been changed by You and may it be evident that I am someone who has spent time in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
