It was such an easy moment to get past with a quick lie. If he had said “As a matter of fact I am,” then he and John were suddenly in hot water.
What would you have done? Think about it
The answer, if you are honest is this … ”God only knows.”
Peter didn’t know he would deny Christ.
He declared his willingness to die for Christ, and moments before, he demonstrated that willingness by single-handedly attacking an army of 600 soldiers with a sword. But a little girl asks him, and he melts into a puddle of lies!
At that moment, Peter didn’t want those people to know he was a disciple of Jesus. He just wanted to blend in, not make a scene, not defend Christ.
How about you? When are you ashamed of Christ?
Are there ever times that you want to hide your faith? Do you ever just want to get through a plane flight, or a PTA meeting, or day of fishing with clients, or a golf game with your boss, without taking a controversial, uncomfortable stand for Christ?
What about in the college Science class when the professor is mocking the outdated belief in a six-day creation? What about at work, or at a Fourth of July BBQ with your in-laws?
Are you only a Christian when it’s … comfortable. That brings us to the second probing question.
2. When Are You Tempted To Be Ashamed?
Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18:18)
When was Peter tempted to deny being a Christian? Not when he was with Jesus in the Garden. He was bold as a lion. It was when he was away from Jesus, standing with the unbelievers, keeping himself comfortable and warm.
John is the only one who mentions this detail, but he says it over and over…
Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. … Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself.
John uses the exact same phrase of the enemies who arrested Jesus, and of Peter … ”standing and warming” themselves.
When was Peter tempted? It was when he was away from Jesus, standing with those hostile to Christ, keeping comfortable, wanting to blend in, not looking to take a stand.
How about you? I bet you don’t feel tempted to deny Christ when you’re in church, or when you had a great time in the word and prayer, or when you just got back from Home Group.
But what about when you are standing with them, huddled with unbelievers, watching their shows, filling your mind with their worldview? What about when you are away from believers for a while, when you’ve neglected your Bible study or your church attendance?
