How will you respond under pressure?
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The dark presses in on all sides. So many people in the courtyard. On the other side of that wall, Jesus is being whipped to shreds by Roman soldiers. His cries of pain muted by the thick walls and the murmur of the crowd. His most vociferous disciple waits outside, likely seeking news that Jesus will soon be released. But while Peter waits for news, he denies even knowing Jesus.
I am struck by the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus because it reflects our weakness under pressure. Even when it’s just a little pressure. Even when we vehemently rehearse beforehand and promise we will remain faithful.
The NLT Study Bible points out that Peter’s denial happened before common people. Therein lies the irony of the situation. They were not authority figures, they were not influencers, they held no power over Peter whatsoever. They could do nothing to him. Jesus was the one on trial. Peter was just hanging outside with the servants and common folks. They did not even appear to pressure him, yet he pre-emptively denied knowing Jesus. Why did he cave so easily?
Peter knew in advance that he would deny Jesus because Jesus told him he would.
Peter doubled down that day when Jesus told him and said, “No way, I would never do that!”
Maybe Peter tried to prepare. Maybe he rehearsed it in his mind. Maybe he told himself over and over to be watchful for the moment so he would be prepared. Did he practice in front of a mirror? He was a disciple! He would never deny Jesus, no way!
Yet there he was.
It just slipped out.
Maybe he thought if he said he didn’t know Jesus, those people would place their attention elsewhere. Maybe he thought they would forget about him if he could fade into the background and look like everyone else.
Then, after it slipped out once, maybe he wasn’t even thinking — it was a very stressful time — he couldn’t exactly reverse what he said. Those people would know he was lying, so the second time he said it intentionally.
I can imagine him thinking, ok, now they’ll leave me alone. He is so focused on his personal…
