Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. Luke 22:54 ESV1
Read Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:31-34, 54-62; John 13:36-38, 18:15-18, 25-27, 21:15-19; Acts 2:14, 22-24, 36-41
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus because he was only in a relationship with Jesus for what he could gain.2 Peter denied Jesus, but his fault was for a totally different reason. Peter dearly loved Jesus and wasn’t shy about proclaiming his devotion to Him. But Peter didn’t have what it took to keep his promises to Jesus.
Let’s listen to the conversation between Jesus and His disciples during the Last Supper.
Prideful Declarations
“When [Judas] had gone out [from the Upper Room], Jesus said, … ‘Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek Me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, “Where I am going you cannot come.”’ … Simon Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, where are You going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow afterward.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for You’” (John 13:31a, 33, 36-37). “And Jesus said to [the Eleven], ‘You will all fall away, for it is written, “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Even though they all fall away, I will not.’ And Jesus said to him” (Mark 14:27-30a). “‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death’” (Luke 22:31-33). “And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’ But [Peter] said emphatically, ‘If I must die with You, I will not deny You.’ And they all said the same” (Mark 14:30-31).
Peter talked as if he were a fearless warrior but he had not even entered the battle yet. Pride made Peter think he was ready for the challenge before him but he wasn’t yet prepared for the call Jesus had on his life. It would take the unexpected events of the night before him to help Peter rise to all Jesus intended him to be.
Peter was a natural-born leader and influencer. When he claimed he would die for Christ, the others echoed that sentiment. God intended to use the leadership qualities he placed in Peter for His glory but Peter had something to learn.
Satan desired to put Peter and the other disciples to the test. The first you in Jesus’ comment about the sifting is plural. The enemy fully expected to shake and break down the faith of all of Jesus’ closest followers. Jesus didn’t prevent the testing; instead, He used what the enemy hoped to destroy Christ’s Kingdom to build it. The pronouns in the following verse are singular; Jesus directed that part of His comment to Peter alone. Peter’s test would strengthen and prepare him for his calling. Though Jesus knew Peter would fall and fail, He also knew Peter would rise again stronger and more prepared to help the others.
Missed Opportunity
Let’s take a look at what happened next.
“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered” (John 18:1). “And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ And He took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And He said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’ And going a little farther, He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him … And He came and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again, He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again, He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer Him. And He came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand’” (Mark 14:32-36, 37-42).
In the Garden of Gethsemane Peter had an opportunity to rise to his calling. “Remain and watch” was essentially what he was created to do. It was also a chance for him to learn how to pray for himself, as a leader, so that he wouldn’t fall into temptation and drag others into it. Instead, Peter merely fell asleep and the others did too. If Peter had stayed awake, watched, and prayed for protection against temptation, James and John would have done likewise.
Because Peter was overly confident in his ability to stand strongly with Jesus in the face of opposition, he missed an opportunity to use the most important spiritual weapon in his arsenal—prayer. Jesus didn’t need Peter to defend Him but He could have used the encouragement of Peter’s prayers for Him as He was about to complete the most difficult part of His purpose for coming to Earth. And Peter didn’t need reliance on his physical strength and determination to stand strong; he needed the Power of God to keep from falling.
Wasted Effort
Because Peter overlooked the spiritual readiness available, he overreacted acting in his physical power when a difficulty presented itself.
“So, Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He’3 … Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So, Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?’ So, the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him” (John 18:3-5, 10-12). “And [the disciples] all left him and fled” (Mark 14:50). “Then they seized [Jesus] and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest’s house, [but] Peter was following at a distance” (Luke 22:54).
Peter’s exuberance was directed in the wrong place. This was not a physical but a spiritual battle. That truth could only have been realized through prayer which Peter had neglected. So, Peter acted with what he had which turned out to be a useless display of strength. Because Peter was a leader, before things got out of hand, Jesus shut down this activity lest the others could follow Peter.
As predicted, when Jesus was seized, all of His closest disciples deserted Him. Most of them fled from sight. But Peter and another disciple hung back in the shadows.
Protected Proximity
“Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So, the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, ‘You also are not one of this Man’s disciples, are you’” (John 18:15-17a)? “[Peter] denied it, saying, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed” (Mark 14:68). “Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself” (John 18:18). “Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, ‘This man also was with Him.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know Him.’ … And after an interval of about an hour, still another” (Luke 22:56-57, 59a), “a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him’” (John 18:26)? “‘Certainly, you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.’ But [Peter] began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, ‘I do not know this Man of whom you speak’” (Mark 14:70b-71). “And immediately, while he was still speaking, … the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:60a, 61). “And … the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72b).
Peter was close enough to the action to satisfy his curiosity but he kept himself at a safe distance. He was not standing with Jesus like “the disciple who was known to the high priest” (presumably John). While Peter denied Christ, he was near enough for Jesus to hear him and see him. Until Jesus turned and looked at him, Peter likely didn’t realize Jesus knew what he had been saying. That look, along with the rooster’s crow, humbled Peter.
The crowing of a rooster signals the dawn, a new beginning. The first crow of the rooster was an opportunity for Peter to turn and repent. Peter blew past that warning. The second crow of the rooster, coupled with Jesus catching his eye, was enough to break the cycle of denial and self-protection. Peter was a changed man. Peter had pridefully declared his willingness to defend Jesus physically. Now he was humiliated because he couldn’t testify for Him verbally. With tears, Peter repented.
Gratefully Humbled
Fast forward until after Jesus’ sentence, scourging, and crucifixion. Move past His death, burial, and resurrection. Continue further still until after the ladies who came to the tomb early on Sunday morning with spices for embalming Jesus met an angel who told them:
“‘Go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you’” (Mark 16:7).
In Galilee, the risen Christ appeared to His disciples multiple times. One of the scenarios went like this:
“Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved, therefore, said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So, Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now, none of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish” (John 21:2-13).
Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples in a way they would recognize Him. In a similar event Peter, James, and John left their fishing business and joined Jesus as His disciples (see Luke 5:4-11). Peter, still the leader, went fishing and the others followed. When Peter realized Jesus was on shore, in characteristic extremism, he jumped into the sea. The others wisely followed with the boat and the enormous catch.
In the days that passed from his denial to this event, Peter must have done some soul-searching, come to terms with his fallibility, and concluded that he truly loved Jesus. Peter was no longer embarrassed by his denial. He just wanted to be close to Jesus. Jesus had a special message for Peter.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ and he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep’” (John 21:14-17).
Peter no longer had an elevated opinion of his devotion to Jesus. The word love in these verses doesn’t translate in English the way it would have in Greek. Two different words are used. One is agapaō 4 which is a deep, self-sacrificing love. The other is phileō 5 which is related to friendship. Twice Jesus asked, “Do you agapaō Me?” and Peter answered, “Yes. I phileō You.” Finally, Jesus asked, “Do you phileō Me?” Peter replied, “You know I phileō You.” Peter no longer claimed he could sacrifice himself for Jesus but he would commit to being Jesus’ friend.
Previously, Peter would have, in theory, gladly died for Jesus. Jesus made it clear that Peter would someday be ready for that sacrifice.
“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.’ (This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this He said to him, ‘Follow Me’” (John 21:18-19).
But for now, Jesus wanted Peter to live for Him. Before sacrificing his life, Peter was called to a different sacrifice—teaching and caring for new and mature Believers, Christ’s lambs and sheep. Peter had fallen away but he would also stand strong for Christ. Peter led others astray but he would also lead others in boldly following Jesus. Peter would complete the mission God had for him.
Shortly after this commissioning, Jesus ascended to Heaven. As He departed, He gave Peter and other His followers the following instructions:
“‘Behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with Power from on High’” (Luke 24:49).
Empowered Devotion
A few days later, the Power Jesus promised came upon His disciples.
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, [the disciples of Jesus] were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from Heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under Heaven. And at this sound, the multitude came together, and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?’ … And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ But Peter, standing with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day … Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it … Let all the house of Israel, therefore, know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.’ And with many other words, he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:1-8, 12-15, 22-24, 36-41).
“[Peter’s] spirit [was] willing but [his] flesh [was] weak” (Mark 14:38b) until Peter was endowed by a different Spirit. Then the one who had cowered under the questioning of servant girls boldly stood up and called out those who had crucified Jesus. He audaciously challenged those whom he had previously feared to repent and be baptized in the name of the same Jesus they had condemned to death. Three thousand souls were added to the Believers that day!
Peter had been willing to defend Jesus physically but couldn’t testify for Him verbally until Jesus’ Spirit gave him the words to say. No matter how much Peter may have wanted to follow Jesus powerfully, he couldn’t without the Power Jesus provided. What a difference the Holy Spirit made in the life of Peter.
Peter could now fulfill his purpose in Christ. He could shepherd Jesus’ sheep. He could be the leader Christ called him to be. When Peter testified for Christ, others would follow suit and stand with him. Eventually, all Jesus’ disciples would go out in the Power of the Holy Spirit and declare the message Jesus had commissioned them to deliver.
“Jesus … said to them, ‘All authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
The Gospel spread over the whole known world. Because Believers throughout the centuries have taken Jesus’ commission seriously, we know Jesus. We too are called to make sure “repentance for the forgiveness of sins [is] proclaimed in His name to all nations beginning [where He has placed us]” (Luke 24:46b-48). All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to Jesus. If we are in Christ, we have “‘[received] power when the Holy Spirit [came] upon [us], and [we can be Christ’s] witnesses … to the end of the earth’” (Acts 1:8). We don’t have to follow Jesus from a distance anymore. In the Power of the Holy Spirit, we can, like the Spirit-filled Peter, boldly stand for Christ in the exact places we once cowered in fear.
1 Scripture quotations marked with ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All Scriptures are taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. To aid in understanding, I have capitalized references to God.
2 For more on this, check out: https://blueturtletrails.com/what-will-you-give-me/
3 For comments on the significance of this statement, check out: https://blueturtletrails.com/what-will-you-give-me/
4 https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g25/kjv/tr/0-1/
5 https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5368/kjv/tr/0-1/