Three times Peter denies knowing Jesus

Verses: Luke 22 : 54 - 62

My thoughts about the verses:

Peter is scared for his life.  He wants to be there for Jesus yet he is afraid to be connected.  He is standing on the edge of the crowd just observing.  Imagine how hard it would be to see your teacher jailed.  You know that he hasn't done anything yet they have arrested him.  You haven't done anything either so you can understand the fear of being arrested also.

The first denial happens soon after Jesus is arrested.  Peter is trying to figure out what is happening. You can almost imagine the thoughts running through his head.  Why is this happening?  He hasn't done anything?  What is going to happen to us?  Then he hears this servant saying you were with him.  You can see him taking a deep breath and saying I don't know who he is.  You can almost understand why he denied this first time.

The second denial happens later in the night.  This man looks at him and says you are one of them. You can see the look of fear in Peter's eyes.  If they are willing to do all this to Jesus what will they do to one of his supporter's.  You can almost hear him saying I have to act quick.  He responds with I am not with him.  It is his way of protecting himself.  He is terrified that he would be found guilty by association.

About an hour passes and again he is accused of being with Jesus.  He is a Galilean.  He had to be the other one they have arrested.  You have to remember that the story was that a man from Galilee was healing the sick and feeding the masses.  You can think about Peter stressing.  I mean imagine if they don't find him guilty maybe they will turn on me.  The natural instinct would be to go into denial.

As the words leave his mouth he hears the Rooster crow.  Then he realizes that everything that Jesus has said is the truth.  Jesus knew that he would deny the very knowledge of knowing Jesus. Here is where things get tricky when Peter realizes this is only the start.  That Jesus will die and there is no way to stop what is going to happen.  Yet, he missed the second part of the story the fact that his Savior would rise and conquer death.

Looking at our own lives we all have those moments where we are scared.  Afraid that our association with Jesus might affect us.  That we might lose friends.  That our family and friends might judge us.  I know for me there were times that I have denied my relationship with God because I was afraid people would not be my friends any longer.   Religion has affected many of my friends and acquaintances in a negative way.  Instead of finding the love that they should receive they are put through persecution.  I feel so blessed that I know that Jesus died for me.  That Jesus loved me more than any person could ever love me.  Yet, fear can make you do things that you would not normally do.  Fear has a way of pushing you to make decisions that you normally would do differently.


Prayer:

Dear God we thank you for your love.  We thank you for being with us even though there are times that we will deny our relationship with God.  Help us be there for others and show them brotherly love.  Dear God help us be the light the world needs.  Help us to love others without judging them.  In the name of our Risen Savior we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Do you have a relationship with God?  Have you ever denied your relationship with God?  Have you ever been a stumbling block to others?  Have you allowed your fear keep you from being a servant of God?