This reading can hit a little close to home if you’ve ever denied you know Jesus to someone. It happens when we let the importance of fitting in overtake the supremacy of Jesus as ruler of our lives. Is that what happened to Peter? Surely one of Jesus’ closest followers must have had some better excuse than that!
What struck you as you read what happened to Peter? Jesus’ earlier words of warning came true. For me, it was the location and the people playing roles in this story. The former High Priest must have been quite well respected and well-to-do to have such a house with a courtyard, servants, and guards.
Also interesting to me is the interaction between Peter and the woman at the gate. This is a story that only John includes. John may be the “other” disciple in the story. I found it curious that she asked Peter about his relationship with Jesus. If she knew the other disciple, did she already know his allegiance to Jesus? We know some of the religious leaders secretly followed Jesus. I wonder about their servants.
It seems odd that Peter would be curious enough to follow Jesus after his arrest but then deny knowing him when asked. And it didn’t happen at just one random time. Peter denied Jesus three times, just like Jesus had predicted. We could say that Peter was somehow influenced or blinded to the truth in those moments. We might also ask, “Why would such a reaction be part of Jesus’ story?”
Have you ever messed up or made a mistake? Have you ever acted uncharacteristically? There are all sorts of reasons we fall off course, but I have to believe that Peter, although known to be impulsive, was not thinking clearly when he denied Jesus. His mind was not his own in those moments. He had a moment of weakness. Despite our trials and missteps, Jesus loves us still.
Jesus knew ahead of time this was a lesson Peter had to learn, no matter how difficult. The other gospel accounts take it a step further. We learn that after the rooster crowed, realizing what he had done, Peter wept bitterly, and in two accounts, Peter left the courtyard altogether. Clearly, Peter agonized over letting Jesus down. Do you ever beat yourself up for some misstep in your faith journey or bad decision that didn’t reflect well on you as a Christ-follower?
Peter was reminded how easily the evil one can manipulate us and use us for the wrong purpose. Peter was going to go on to be a very important influence in keeping Jesus’ ministry alive. Jesus knew Peter would need to be strong and steadfast for such a mission. Exposing his weakness would have been a life-changing moment for Peter.
We can have those “a-ha moments,” too. Maybe it’s hearing the lyrics of a praise song and then finding them the same week in your Scripture reading. That gets our attention! Maybe it was hearing a Bible interpretation from your pastor during a sermon that opened your understanding in a new way. Maybe it was a tragedy that caused you to run back into Jesus’ open arms.
We don’t do ourselves any service when we deny Jesus in our lives. When people look at your life, do they see Jesus by your side?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, Peter’s denial is a wake-up call for me to be more aware of the evil forces in this world that try to distract me. Forgive me for occasions when I have missed an opportunity to share about you. Help me to see those openings and boldly take them, never worrying about appearances or who might be offended. My job is to profess Jesus as Lord of my life and for all eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
