Peter’s First Denial of Jesus John 18:15-18 // Matt 26:69-70 // Mark 14:66-68 // Luke 22:54-57
13First they took him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time.14Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.”
15Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus.16Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in.17The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?”
“No,” he said, “I am not.”
18Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.
It was a small sin, they always start that way. A little denial for his own safety. Now Peter was in the “enemy” camp. He was good intentioned. He wanted to see what would happen to Jesus. He was even brave to an extent. But Jesus had warned his disciples not to do what Peter had done. He told them they would be scattered and that was his Father’s will.
And when Peter said he wouldn’t abandon Jesus, he was so sure of himself. That was his real problem. When Jesus foretold this event Peter didn’t ask Jesus for strength or guidance, he instead proclaimed his own strength…and foolishness. Our own pride will lead us to such error over, and over and over. Where did it lead Peter? The last line of this passage says so much: “and Peter stood with them”.
Lord, help me to see my own pride and foolishness. Help me to follow you, but on your guidance and depending on your strength and only where you want me to go. Change me Lord, change me. *obbs*
