It’s suppertime. It’s the last supper to be exact, and the disciples are reclining around the table with Jesus.

There is a famous painting of the last supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It depicts all twelve disciples and Christ gathered on one side of the table facing forward. I think these men were most likely surrounding the table and not situated like they do for a live sit com. But, that’s beside the point. Anyhow, they are there, about to receive some earth-shattering news… but that again, is another story.

After supper, they sang a hymn together and walked to the Mount of Olives. As they’re walking, Jesus begins to tell them of things that will happen, sooner than the disciples can even imagine…

Jerusalem was in an uproar. Multitudes of people were gathered in and around town to celebrate Passover and there was unrest within the city. The government was concerned about a prophet everyone was talking about and more so, over the things he was saying and who He was claiming to be.

As Jesus and His disciples walked the path to the Mount of Olives, Jesus says to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Without hesitation (and in all likelihood, quite certain of himself), Peter replied (paraphrased), “Not me Lord. Everyone else might, but not me Jesus. I never will.”

Obviously, Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself and responded to his bold statement. “Peter, I hate to tell you this, but the truth is, by the time the sun comes up tomorrow – you’re gonna have told others you never even knew me.”

What?! Peter had walked with Jesus for over three years now. Surely Jesus had seen Peter’s loyalty, felt his devotion. How could He even think such a thing? Surely not Peter. He had come so far. Did he have to prove his allegiance to this man? Did he have to prove his obedience again by walking on water again – without help? Wasn’t it Peter who professed that Jesus was the Christ – the Messiah – before anyone else? Didn’t that count for something? And now, after all of that, Jesus says this… “You will deny me three times.”

Peter was embarrassed, I’m sure. I would be.  After all, what was said, was said in front of the other disciples. Peter had to show Jesus – he had to show the others that he was in this army of the Lord for the long haul.

Peter spoke up with assertiveness and making a statement declaring his steadfast loyalty; he raised his fisted hand into the air and declared, “Even if I have to die with you Jesus, I will never turn my back on you.”

What boldness. What certainty. What denial.

The other disciples, hearing and watching Peter and not wanting to be excluded from such an affirmation of devotion for their teacher, spoke up within seconds.

“Me either.” “You can count on me Lord!” “I’ll never deny you, my friend.” “Lord, I’ve got your back for good.”

Jesus never responded to Peter’s statement or the others. It’s tough to respond to someone who refuses to see or hear the truth. It’s tough to respond to someone who won’t listen to reason. It’s impossible to tell someone anything when they’re in denial. And Peter was in denial.

He was human and yet thought He knew better than his Master did. He argued with him, debated with him and flat out stated, “Oh no – not me. I would never do that.” In a million years, Peter thought he would never deny Christ. Not on-fire-for-the-Lord Peter. Or, maybe he said it like, “I would never do that,” implying that maybe one of the other disciples could possibly be weak, but never him. Or “I would never do that,” would have meant he may fudge on the truth, slip up and say a bad word if a fishing net broke, but deny Christ? Not Peter. He was loyal, devoted, and… in denial.

Seems like Peter was actually in the perfect situation to deny knowing a great friend. After all, you’re already denying your sinful nature – to some degree, at least.

I have a friend that had an affair many, many years ago. I can’t remember what triggered it or how long it lasted. I can’t remember anything about what she told me except one thing. I remember her telling me that what got her into trouble was believing the lie that it could never happen to her. She was devoted to her husband, adored him, was faithful. The moment she started to believe that to have an affair was below her – beyond her – is the moment it happened. When she started to believe she would never do that, not her, not that – it happened.

I am happy to report that it changed her marriage for the best but it is rare for a marriage to survive an affair. And the pain and the anguish that she must have felt must have been similar to that which Peter felt when he did deny Christ.

“Not me Lord – I’d never do that.” Check out the book of Matthew 26:33. Seems he wasn’t exactly right about the very thing he thought he was so right about.

I have thought about what my friend said to me after her experience. We are all susceptible to sin – any sin. We are all capable of any sin. It is part of our sinful nature, and as soon as we think that we are above any sin or lead ourselves to believe it will never happen to us – that will be the moment we fall.

Other articles you might like;

• The Ending of Eras
• A Merry Heart
• Early Onset Alzheimer’s: Signs and Symptoms