What Can We Learn From Each Time Peter Denies Jesus?

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

Peter feared recognition as a follower of Jesus. Peter thought he could blend in with the same guards who had just arrested Jesus and the crowd cheering his arrest. How many times have we thought the same thing? I want to fit into a group who might not be receptive to Christianity so I won’t talk about my faith and they’ll probably never know. Maybe I’ll even laugh at their off-color jokes or join in on gossip and slander, or at least not object.

The lesson we can take away from this and teach our children is that if you’re not comfortable in a group because they don’t have the same beliefs you do, you probably shouldn’t be in that group. If you do choose to stay, then you should be willing, and even proud, to identify as a Christian. Your actions and conversation should convey your faith, not compromise.

There’s no denying the world isn’t as accepting of Christian values as it once was but that doesn’t change or weaken our position in Christ. To Peter’s credit, he did follow Jesus after his arrest, but he kept his distance because he obviously feared for his own life.

The world hated Jesus then as our godless culture does now too, but Christians must be ready to face ridicule and persecution.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:18-20

It’s easy to be bold and courageous for the Lord when we’re among Christian peers, but the true test of our faith is when we act the same in all circumstances. It’s challenging to consider that we might be more concerned about offending others than we are about offending Jesus!

Perhaps remembering his own time of fear and denial of Jesus, Peter would later write, But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:14-16

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