Do We Deny Jesus Like Peter? (Matthew 26:69-75)

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”  But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”  And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “ Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75

Reading this account of Peter denying his Lord, I wonder if I would be braver if faced with the same situation. Would Iproclaim Jesus to anyone who questioned my faith? Sadly, I know I have denied Jesus far too many times than I care to remember or admit.

What form does this denial take? It can be subtle and almost subliminal. We may deny Jesus Christ when we substitute these actions for true faith:

1. Hang around with other Christians. ("You also were with Jesus...")

2. Talk like other Christians ("...your speech betrays you...")

3. Take actions on behalf of other Christians (Peter cut off the High Priest's servant's ear Malthus, John 18:10-11)

Peter's denial is a reminder that we, too, can easily be led to think we are secure in following Jesus but not truly trusting or believing in Him. We may find a false sense of security when we surround ourselves with a Christian family and Christian friends. But it all comes down to your position with God. Are you truly following and relying upon God or relying upon others to support you?

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.