WHAT'S UP WITH PETER?
JOHN 18:15-18
JOHN 18:15-18 NKJ
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?"
He said, "I am not."
18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
OBSERVATION:
This was not a good night for Peter. It started well with Jesus having a Passover meal with the twelve. But it pretty much went downhill for Peter after that.
Peter declared his love and devotion for the Lord in chapter thirteen. But then Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him. Deny his very Lord that he had walked with for three and a half years. Peter did not think that would ever happen. He was convinced that he was willing to die for Jesus.
Then in the garden, when Jesus asked Peter to pray with Him, Peter went to sleep three times.
In addition, when they came to arrest Jesus, Peter rose up in Jesus' defense and cut off the ear of a servant who got too close. Jesus did not offer Peter thanks; instead, the Lord told him to put his sword away. Then according to Luke's gospel, Jesus healed the man's ear. Peter did not see that coming.
But what may have been the most bizarre event of the entire night is that Jesus was arrested and bound and taken to the High Priest. Peter had never seen Jesus stopped by anyone or anything. He had seen Jesus raise the dead, heal sick people, open blind eyes, and walk on water. Peter had watched Jesus evade capture and angry mobs by walking right through them. Jesus had baffled the leading minds and silenced His critics. And now Jesus was bound like a common criminal.
Peter was shaken. Or a better way of saying it was his faith was shaken. He had been so sure of Jesus, but it all looked as if it was crashing down. This was not going the way Peter just knew it would go. Peter became afraid. If Jesus was vulnerable, then what about him?
So, Peter went into self-preservation mode and separated himself from Jesus. He denied knowing his Lord.
APPLICATION:
When things do not go the way we think they should, how do we respond? We cannot point fingers at Peter. Most all of us have backed away from our faith because of fear. Not denying our salvation but denying our confidence in God. The best thing we can do even when things don't go the way we want, or have prayed about, is to keep our confidence in God. Even when we just don't understand. We trust Him regardless. We stay on God’s side and stay connected to Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, I trust in You even when I don't understand. I trust Your mercy and Your goodness. I believe You will see me through.