John 13:38 –
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Peter does do just this, he denies Christ as Jesus predicted. Now in this day and age it’s difficult to relate to this denial, at least in this country. See when Peter was asked if he was a follower of Jesus, the penalty may have been death. When facing death your fight to survive outweighs most everything else. Jesus knew the change that was about to happen and how Peter would try to protect himself.
Now we all seem to think we would never do that, but really? Here was a man who was by Jesus’ side when he raised Lazarus from the dead. He actually walked on water with Jesus. He drank the wine that had been water, he saw it all, yet he denied Jesus three times. Remember this is less than 12 hours after Jesus predicted this would happen. How can you say I would never do this have only a “spiritual” understanding of Jesus?
If someone on the street today asked you if you were a follower of Jesus, what would you say? How about in a march for Islam? What if that march was in Tehran? Would you really be willing to face death and proclaim Christ, especially if not doing so means you would live another day? See the answer is much more difficult when you look at it from Peter’s perspective.
What’s my answer? Honestly if I was in Tehran and it was life or death, I would most likely choose life and not answer the question. I couldn’t deny Jesus, but I sure could ignore the question. Or ask back, “why do you care?” or “what does it matter?” Remember, Peter heard this prediction 12 hours earlier, witnessed all the miracles and still denied Jesus. Granted I would most likely “feel the moment” and if “pressed hard” to let go and face death, I may. But I would have to say standing back, I would follow Peter’s lead and live another day.