What Happened to Peter
Thoughts on Mark 14:32-72, part two
We have all seen or heard of someone boasting about what they are going to do but failing. If you are like me, you take some pleasure in seeing them fall flat. As I look at what happened in Peter’s life, I can’t help but feel sad.
Peter did much the same thing. He had just boasted boldly about his devotion to Jesus. He claimed that even if everyone else turned their back on Jesus, he wouldn’t. Told by Jesus that he would deny Jesus, Peter said he would die first.
None of us really what we would do for Jesus until the time comes. Martyrs die because of their devotion to Him, but their devotion in death in preceded by their devotion in life to Christ. The first sign that Peter’s devotion was empty boasting was his failure to simply stay awake and pray. Jesus challenged him on this weakness, perhaps trying to convince Peter how weak he really was.
“Jesus didn’t need a strong man to defend Him, and He still doesn’t.”
The next incident revealed a form of devotion but not the kind Jesus wanted. John lets us know it was Peter who chapped off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Being willing to kill or harm others for Jesus is not near as courageous as being willing to die for Him. Jesus didn’t need a strong man to defend Him, and He still doesn’t. He wanted a humble man who would follow him. He still wants such followers.
Peter’s failure of the coming test was a given. The first part should have been easy because it came from a mere maidservant asking if he also followed Jesus. Then it was her plus some others. Finally, it was a large group of people. Each time Peter got more vehement in his denials. The cock crowed. Time was up. Peter failed the test. Yet, Jesus was not done with him. He would not cast him aside.