Fear. Shame. Ignorance…. Are any of these good enough reasons to deny Christ.
One of the most outspoken disciples (Peter), is at the head of the class when it comes to denying Christ.
Imagine it—Jesus had just been arrested and led away to a late night trial. Peter follows from afar to see what would happen. But suddenly he is noticed as being one of the twelve. Three times Peter denies being associated with Christ.
“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:74-75
Yes—Jesus forewarned Peter that he would deny Him, but in his quick-tempered and outspoken fashion, Peter insisted that he would never stoop to such a level.
Fear. Shame. Ignorance. For Peter, it was likely fear of being arrested and enduring the same fate as Jesus Christ.
But let's not be too hasty in our judgement of quick-tempered, spirited, and outspoken Peter. Once he recognized the error of his ways he repented and became what some would consider as the most prominent of the twelve by converting many to the ways of Christ.
Remembering The Resurrection
During Holy Week let's consider our own position by asking ourselves the following questions:
- Where do I stand?
- Have I ever denied Christ?
- If so, did I come clean, ask for God’s forgiveness, and move forward?