Post-supper, and Peter reminds us how very human we all are. We want to do our best, indeed we want to be better than anyone else, to the fault that we do not always see our own flaws – or at least want to own up to them!

Unfortunately for our egos, Jesus is very good at bursting the bubble precisely: ‘today – yes, tonight – before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times’ (v 30). Peter is determined to stand firm with Jesus to the death, but does not see the flaw in his make-up; he is not strong enough to see it through. 

Christian tradition holds that he would be strong enough one day, crucified upside-down, as he felt unworthy of being crucified as Jesus was. Peter’s words and behaviour here reflect the frailty of the human condition – yet he did not give up but held on to his Saviour.

When our faith is tested, it is then that we must dare to know our Lord better. And if we fail and fall, we must give of our best in prayer to the Lord to raise us up and stand us on our feet again. Jesus can cope with our failures if we will stand with him to the end.

May the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight, Lord.

As if betrayal by one disciple was not enough, now Jesus says that all of them will desert him. When he spoke of betrayal, each of them could reassure himself that he was not the one. Now none is excluded – but there is one who thinks he will not fail with the others. Peter opens his mouth to boast of his own dedication to support Jesus whatever others might do. In the face of Jesus’ words and the message of the prophet, Peter asserts himself. Here is the strange paradox of a man doubting the word of God and yet professing loyalty.

More than that, we have here a man who does not know his own sinful heart. We cannot doubt Peter’s faith in Jesus or his love for him. As Jesus will say of all the disciples a few verses later (v 38), ‘The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Peter trusted in his own ability rather than recognising that he was in the midst of a spiritual battle where human strength was not enough – and there is his pride that he would be more loyal than anyone else.

Peter is not unique in this respect. How often do we think that we have more spiritual strength to be faithful than others have? We so often make excuses for our own failures and are harsh in our judgement of others. Many of us think that we will continue faithful, but then we fall into sin or unbelief. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says he has prayed for Peter;¹ and John gives the same direction to us if we see a brother or sister falling.² It is only by the grace of God that any of us stand and we need to ask for that grace day by day.

Pray for anyone you know who has turned from the faithful following of Jesus.

¹ Luke 22:32  ² 1 John 5:16