Peter, A Disciple The Solid Rock, Part 3

It’s called the two-second rule. This rule of thumb states that a car driver may keep a safe trailing distance at any speed if staying two seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle. But it’s a lousy rule when it comes to following Jesus.

When Christ was arrested and dragged to the house of Annas (a retired yet influential former high priest) and then to the judgment hall of Caiaphas, the current High Priest, “Peter followed at a distance” (Luke 22:54). The disciple apparently wanted to be close to Jesus, but not too close.

The Savior knew the heart of Peter. Before the agonizing night in Gethsemane, Jesus said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (v. 31). Did Peter’s faith fail? Yes, and no.

Peter told Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (v. 33). He was confident and a bit boastful about his faith. But Christ predicted, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v. 34). And that’s what happened in the courtyard of Caiaphas when the one who followed Jesus “at a distance” betrayed the Lord, three times.

When Peter denied Jesus the third time, the Bible says, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord …” (v. 60, 61). How do we know Peter’s faith did not completely fail? By looking at his response to the look of Christ after his failure. “So Peter went out and wept bitterly” (v. 62).

Though you may be converted and a disciple of Jesus, but are following “at a distance,” you may know that genuine tears of repentance indicate your faith has not completely failed and that you are moving closer to the Master.

Reflect: Are you closely following Jesus or are you following at a distance? James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Key Bible Texts

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. (Luke 22:54 KJV)