THE PRESUMPTION OF SIMON PETER

Just as we know Judas as the betrayer, we know Peter as both the defender and denier.  As we know from the Gospel narratives, Judas did not come alone to the Garden.  We are told that he “...came guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.  They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons” (John 18:3).

However, from a careful reading of the passion events, it is clear that some of the disciples were also armed with swords. It was not like they were soldiers ready for battle – it is just what most men normally carried on their belts during that time. Much like many men carry pocket knives today.  It was an every day practical tool that most men carried on their belts.  Therefore, note what they said when the arresting crowd approached: “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”  And with his usual impulsiveness, Peter did not wait for an answer!  “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting of his right ear” (Luke 22:49-50).

It is only from John’s account that we know for certain that it was Simon Peter who was the first disciple to unsheathe his sword to defend Christ. And no doubt when he pulled out his sword, he was seeking to split the man’s head wide open!  But for whatever reason, Peter got only a glancing swipe that cut off his ear instead of his head!  Jesus stayed Peter’s hand with these words: “Put your sword back in its place…for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).  Jesus further said: “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:10-11).  And with those words Jesus submitted to their hatred and arrest.

Now, contrary to all of their previous confident boasts that they would die for Him rather than ever deny Him, we read: “Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled…But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest” (Matthew 26:56-58).

We really have to hand it to Peter at this point. He is the only disciple that followed Christ after He was arrested in the Garden – even though he did so “…at a distance.”  In spite of his gripping fear and growing cowardice, he still followed Jesus – even if at a safe distance.

We are all painfully aware of Peter’s story from this point on. They are some of the most familiar parts of the passion story. While we cringe in horror at the betrayal of Judas, we squirm in conviction as we watch Peter’s three denials of Christ! That’s because we’ve all been there. We’ve all stood by the fire of compromise with him. We’ve all found ourselves trying to get warm at the world’s fires. We’ve all cursed out loud or under our breath at the accusation that we are a believer.  We’ve all broken an oath or vow we’ve made to God. We’ve all felt deeply ashamed of our deceit and cowardice. We’ve all felt our face flush with the furtive fear of being “found out.”  We’ve all felt our pulse race in anxiety as group pressure grows against us.  We’ve all felt our fearful heart pound so hard that we were afraid that everyone around could hear it!  We’ve all felt the uneasiness of looking people in the eyes for fear of being seen through. We’ve all feared discovery and exposure after some secret sin. We’ve all experienced the desire to run away and hide – forever!

So as we watch Peter’s painful drama on the stage of life – we all see ourselves. His fear is our fear. His weakness is our weakness. His failure is our failure. His denials are our denials!  His shame is our shame.  And his tears fill our eyes. The crowing of his rooster also heralds our own sin of denial!

All it took was the accusations of a couple of small servant girls to cause big tough Peter to have an emotional “melt-down!”  As a result, this verse summarizes it all: “He went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). I’ve been there!  Haven’t you?