Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. ~ John 18:15-18, 25-27
Peter is most known for denying Christ three times. If we read the full account of the denial that John provides us, Peter’s denial doesn’t quite make sense. John tells us that he was known by the high priest and was able to enter into the court so that he could see Jesus. He then tells us that Peter only got in because John told a servant girl to bring Peter in. The only way Peter could get in was because John pointed him out. So, why deny it?
Peter had just seen Jesus arrested without a fight. Keep in mind Peter saw Jesus speak with Moses and Elijah, calm the raging sea, turn water into wine, multiply fish and bread, walk on water, cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead. Now, this same man was being beaten and condemned by the Pharisees, and worst of all, He wasn’t fighting back. Peter was afraid.
Jesus knowing this ahead of time prayed for Peter’s faith. When Jesus was praying in Gethsemane and Peter fell asleep, Jesus called Peter by name. Jesus was trying to prepare Peter for what was coming, but Peter’s flesh was too weak. He couldn’t keep awake and pray, so when the time came for his test, Peter failed. Fear had overtaken him, and he denied Christ three times, just as Christ had warned him.
Tests are coming. Trials are coming. It’s unavoidable. You can’t stop them, but you can prepare for them. Build up your spirit and subdue your flesh. Pray more than just for your food. Spend time on worship. Seek the face of God, so that when your test or trial comes, you won’t succumb to fear. After Peter left the Upper Room, he never denied Christ again. He counted it as a reward to be persecuted for the name of Christ. He no longer feared death because he knew whom he served. He understood that because Christ rose, death would have no power over him. You serve a powerful God, don’t let the lies of fear keep you from Him or your call.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Serve In Spite of Fear.
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