Peter Alone

Peter Alone

Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.”

— John 18:15 – 17

There were many burdens Jesus carried to the cross. One of them is abandonment. In the hour of his greatest need when he needed his closest friends, when he needed to know he wasn’t alone, that he hadn’t been forgotten, Peter forsook him. What rubbed salt into the wound was that Peter did not deny him in front of a Roman soldier, powerful official, or a priest at the temple. It happened in front of a servant girl.

We assume that the “other disciple” was John. Somehow John was able to gain entrance into the house where Jesus was being questioned. Peter entered the courtyard but did not follow John into the hearing room. Maybe he was afraid. We have to wonder whether Peter would have denied Christ had he not been alone, had another disciple been there. Would he have been bolder standing next to John? Whatever, Peter was left alone in the courtyard, surrounded by accusers and skeptics. The rest is history.

Peter allowed his fears to overcome his faith. This happens to those who are full of pride. It’s not obvious rebellion that causes them to refute Christ. It is the fear and intimidation of cynics. When are you most easily tempted? Is it when you are with someone you shouldn’t be with? When you are alone? Keep track of patterns of temptation and then avoid those people or situations.

Father, help me to always seek the company of Christian friends. Convict me if I stray into situations in which I could be tempted to forsake my Savior.