Your Accent Gives You Away
Transformation Revealed in Speech
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 26:73 CSB - After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You really are one of them, since even your accent gives you away."
OBSERVATION:
You can learn a lot about someone from their accent. In the US, we can tell whether they're from the East Coast, West Coast, Deep South, or even the Bayou. In the UK, they say you can tell where someone lives just by their accent. The same was true for Peter.
As we examine this verse, there are a few points to consider. This was the Feast of Passover, one of Israel’s major feasts, and everyone was required to come and worship in Jerusalem. Why would Peter be approached because of his accent? Surely, many people from Galilee were in Jerusalem for the feast. What revealed him as a follower of Jesus?
Peter, the impatient, impetuous, loud, and quick-to-react fisherman. Known for his quick responses and eagerness to be the first to answer. Peter is what we might call a hothead—prideful and impetuous, acting quickly and without much thought or care. Was this what they meant by accent?
If you read this verse in the NKJV, it says that his speech gave him away. This indicates that even though Peter was about to make one of the greatest mistakes of his life (so great that we still talk about it today), something was changing in Peter's life. He was becoming more like Jesus! His speech and actions were exposing him.
Although in chapter 26 Peter states, “I will never deny you,” he ultimately falls asleep three times while Jesus is praying in the garden. He also attempts to rescue Jesus by cutting off the High Priest’s servant’s ear, denies Jesus three times, and even swears (using profanity, reminiscent of the old Peter). Despite his efforts, his speech and accent betray him.
This should fill us with hope! Even though we are like Peter in more ways than we'd like to admit, the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we become like Him—even in our biggest mistakes.
APPLICATION:
Comparing Peter in Matthew 26 and Acts 2 reveals an incredible transformation. In John 21, Jesus restores Peter by giving him a chance to repent, asking, “Peter, do you love Me?” three times. Then, in Acts 2, filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter delivers a powerful gospel message that leads to the salvation of 3,000 people. As a result, the church grows daily.
For you and me, stay encouraged. Although we might see ourselves in Peter in Matthew 26, Jesus gave him opportunities in John 21 and Acts 2. Spend time with Jesus, remain in His word, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you. Just as Peter did, you'll eventually notice your unique accent and way of speaking!
Philippians 1:6 NKJV - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for the continuous transformation in my life as I spend more time with You. Even those who do not know You can notice the changes in me, as my accent and speech gradually become more like Yours.
Matthew 26:73 CSB - After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You really are one of them, since even your accent gives you away."
OBSERVATION:
You can learn a lot about someone from their accent. In the US, we can tell whether they're from the East Coast, West Coast, Deep South, or even the Bayou. In the UK, they say you can tell where someone lives just by their accent. The same was true for Peter.
As we examine this verse, there are a few points to consider. This was the Feast of Passover, one of Israel’s major feasts, and everyone was required to come and worship in Jerusalem. Why would Peter be approached because of his accent? Surely, many people from Galilee were in Jerusalem for the feast. What revealed him as a follower of Jesus?
Peter, the impatient, impetuous, loud, and quick-to-react fisherman. Known for his quick responses and eagerness to be the first to answer. Peter is what we might call a hothead—prideful and impetuous, acting quickly and without much thought or care. Was this what they meant by accent?
If you read this verse in the NKJV, it says that his speech gave him away. This indicates that even though Peter was about to make one of the greatest mistakes of his life (so great that we still talk about it today), something was changing in Peter's life. He was becoming more like Jesus! His speech and actions were exposing him.
Although in chapter 26 Peter states, “I will never deny you,” he ultimately falls asleep three times while Jesus is praying in the garden. He also attempts to rescue Jesus by cutting off the High Priest’s servant’s ear, denies Jesus three times, and even swears (using profanity, reminiscent of the old Peter). Despite his efforts, his speech and accent betray him.
This should fill us with hope! Even though we are like Peter in more ways than we'd like to admit, the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we become like Him—even in our biggest mistakes.
APPLICATION:
Comparing Peter in Matthew 26 and Acts 2 reveals an incredible transformation. In John 21, Jesus restores Peter by giving him a chance to repent, asking, “Peter, do you love Me?” three times. Then, in Acts 2, filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter delivers a powerful gospel message that leads to the salvation of 3,000 people. As a result, the church grows daily.
For you and me, stay encouraged. Although we might see ourselves in Peter in Matthew 26, Jesus gave him opportunities in John 21 and Acts 2. Spend time with Jesus, remain in His word, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you. Just as Peter did, you'll eventually notice your unique accent and way of speaking!
Philippians 1:6 NKJV - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for the continuous transformation in my life as I spend more time with You. Even those who do not know You can notice the changes in me, as my accent and speech gradually become more like Yours.
The more time we spend with Jesus, the more our words and actions reveal His work in us.
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