Jesus’s trials conducted by the Jewish leadership are contrasted with Peter denying Jesus three times in all four gospel accounts (54-62; Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; John 18:12-27). This is clear because they bounce back and forth between the two with dizzying speed. The whole incident, from Jesus’s arrest to the Jewish leader’s verdict and Peter’s first, second, and third denials of Jesus, was perhaps an hour, certainly no more than two. Yet, in this small amount of time, five of Jesus’s predictions would be made sure: his arrest, rejection, persecution, condemnation, and Peter’s shame.
Comparing myself to Jesus and Peter, I can say I want to be like Jesus, who, though so poorly treated, withstood the test. Yet, in reality, I am more like Peter, who was only threatened with association with someone arrested and being tried. Jesus overcame fear because he was prepared with knowledge of the Bible and deep personal prayer. Peter remained afraid because although Jesus taught him the Bible very personally, he could not find the courage to accept it nor the will to pray when Jesus told him it was time to pray, watch, and be prepared.
Peter was so sure of his ability that he did not depend on God. Jesus accepted his lack of ability so much so that he could do nothing more than depend fully on God his Father. When Jesus asked was his identity, he did not fail to tell them the truth, though it meant beating, humiliation, scourging, crucifixion, and death.
As Peter later wrote, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:6-9)
