Even Youths

Day 3: Matthew 26:69-75 Peter’s denial March 31, 2010

At one point, Peter was confident that he would succeed even if all others failed (26:33). True to his pledge, when the others flee at Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, Peter does not (26:56). Instead, he courageously follows Jesus, even into the courtyard to the high priest’s mansion, where he boldly sits among the guards awaiting the outcome of the trial (26:58).

His courage does not last long, however. A low-status servant girl draws attention to him, and he panics: “Me, with Jesus of Galilee? I don’t know what you’re talking about!” (26:69). He slinks a short distance away where another servant girl makes a similar identification. Peter’s denial grows stronger: “Before God, I swear I don’t know the man!” (26:72). “But you must,” claim others, “we can tell from your accent that you are from Galilee” (26:73). Peter issues his strongest denial, invoking imprecations against himself: “God curse me if I am lying!” (26:74).

At least four realities follow Peter for the rest of his life, and through Scripture, for the rest of time: (1) What a wimp: he crumbles at the accusation of some socially insignificant servant girl! (2) What a louse: at a time of great need, he deserts his rabbi, his friend, and his Lord! (3) By his own word, he deserves condemnation. (4) In the mercy of God, he, along with the other disciples, is forgiven and restored to leadership (28:10; cf. John 21:15-19).

This clearly is both a warning and an encouragement to Matthew’s original readers, who were likely facing persecution for their faith. It is both a warning and an encouragement also to us, in the face of much milder opposition, which nonetheless may motivate us to duck affiliation with Christ. If even the great apostle Peter’s courage failed, we do well to be wary of the same; if even the great failure Peter may be forgiven, we can hope for the same.