Peter seems to have been a pretty confident guy, sometimes downright cocky! He doesn't hesitate to leave his fishing business when Jesus says, "follow Me" (Matthew 4:18); he was first to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:29); he was even willing to walk on water, if Jesus was there with him (Matthew 14:29)! At the last supper, when Jesus predicts His arrest and crucifixion, Peter declares:
"Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You. "Matthew 26:35
Peter was sure of his beliefs and positive that he could follow through on them. He was relying on himself and his ability to stand firm. Of course, we know what happens. Peter does deny Christ. In fact, he denies Him three times! We read about this in the book of Luke:
"And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly." Luke 22:58-62
It's not hard to imagine how Peter felt -- shamed, upset, humiliated. He couldn't live up to his promises. He wasn't as brave, as resourceful, as committed as he imagined. He was a sinful man, and sometimes that sin got the better of him.
It happens to all of us. However, we should remember that the glance of Christ was not condemning, but loving. He knows our weakness, and we need to admit it, too. Our confidence should be in Him, not in ourselves. Peter learned to be humble, and so must we.
For more posts about Peter see:
2 Peter Chapter 2 — What Stands Out?
1 Peter Chapter 3–What Stands Out?
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