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We are in John Chapter 18, where a gang appears at the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus Christ is arrested, then questioned and then insultingly struck on the face.

Peter did more than any other disciple, but not enough.

Peter went further than any other disciple, but not far enough. He was the only one to stick up for Jesus, but it was so very wrong to become involved in this reckless sword play, with 200 soldiers present. This is the impulsive rash Peter.

Violence only breeds violence. This battle has to be fought out on a spiritual level, and not just physical.

This was not the way God would have things done, but Peter did follow. He went right inside the gate, and it was John who got him into the courtyard. John had connections in Jerusalem. Did he feel at all responsible? What were these men feeling at this time?

Peter went further than the others but his courage failed.

Peter had to learn that it can be little things like this that let you down.

Peter could face 200 soldiers, but when a girl asks a question, he just falls apart!

Should Peter have been there at all? Jesus had said, You cannot follow me now at this time – 13:33 to 36.

We have to be prepared as well as we can, for these occasions when we are suddenly confronted with a difficult situation. Peter learned the lesson.

Jesus said – Watch and pray, so that you do not fall into temptation.

Peter was caught out – and said the wrong thing. And, when we have said something once, there can be that wanting to say it twice and on and on and on.

“I wish I had not done that.” “I wish I had not said that.” How often have we been in that situation?

v.25 – “You are not another of His disciples are you? In verse 18, we read of a fire. Remember the fire. Jesus refers to it after He is risen from the dead, and meets with Peter by the Lakeside. We read of this in Chapter 21. Three times he denied Jesus, and three times Jesus gave him the opportunity to put things right and sort things out and repent. We all need to clear up all kinds of things at times.

This incident broke his heart. That can be a good thing. Peter went out and wept. This big burly fisherman is sobbing. Luke 22:62.

Look at what he has done to Jesus – denied Him – let Him down – disappointed Him.

To love means to be loyal, and Peter realises that he has not loved as he should have.

Jesus had said, “I am HE”. Peter had said, “I am not.”

But Peter sheds real tears, and the Bible is not afraid to speak about his real tears.

Peter is full of remorse. He is deeply sorry. He is openly sorry, and the Bible does not gloss over this. Peter does repent, and the whole world knows about it.

After Calvary, Peter is forgiven and cleansed. Luke 22 at verses 31,32 explain something of what is going on at this critical juncture – but so that we can learn and be helped, and given an understanding of one aspect of spiritual warfare. We do not hear so much about spiritual warfare these days, and yet it continues to be as real as Peter’ tears.

Peter is restored and later anointed with the Holy Spirit, and the risen Jesus transforms him into a mighty man.

Restored – filled – fed – anointed – and empowered for service. Peter comes through all this and emerges as the leader in that young Church. One slip up, no matter how serious, does not disqualify a man for service if the call of God is upon his life.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

A World of One