69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.
73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”
74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75 (NLT)
We often read this story, okay, at least I often read this story and think “How could he do that? How could he deny he knew Jesus in front of all of those people? Didn’t he have a relationship with him? Didn’t Peter remember all the experiences they had together - all that Jesus did for him and others?”
And then, I have to pause and realize I also have done this. When I have a decision to make and I choose the thing that does not demonstrate that I know Jesus. Or when I know I am being prompted to call someone, to reach out or to serve in a specific way and I choose instead to sit on my couch and watch TV. Maybe, it is when I snap at someone or say something that is not reflective of the Lord I know in my heart.
During all of those times, I am denying that I know Jesus. I am sure there are many moments during the day when I am shouting “Denied!” by my behavior or thoughts. And people see. They take note because after all, I call myself a disciple.
I am no different than Peter. In my world full of people watching, I make mistakes too. The only difference is someone isn’t writing it down and publishing it for all the world to see. Another thing that is the same in my life, in our lives, as in Peter’s, Jesus still forgives. He still says “Do you love me? Then come, feed my sheep. Take care of my kids. You have a job to do.” Praise God for that!