Matthew 26:73-74

New King James Version

And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to ^[a]curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”

For Encouragement

Peter had already lost the battle when he entered the high priest’s house. He probably did not want Jesus to know he had followed Him at a distance, so he hid himself among the people around the night fire for warmth. However, his cover would not hold for long (Matt. 26:55). A servant girl was the first to confront him, but he denied knowing his Master (55-58). Next, he tried the gateway, but another servant girl also blew his cover. Again, Peter denied knowing the man.

An hour passed, and he may have felt secure, but no! Those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you” (73). Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” (74).

Immediately, the rooster crowed, Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter, and he remembered the prophecy of the Lord: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” He broke down in bitter tears and rushed out into the night (Lk. 22:60-62).

What Peter did is reminiscent of many Christians these days. We love the Lord and desire to live for Him. Kingdom work is our forte and passion; however, fear rules when we have to identify with His name in certain places. We hide or run for our lives. When we risk losing our jobs, positions, power, promotion, or denying ourselves a fleshly desire, we put on a different garment and blend with the crowd. We trust in the integrity of our camouflage and settle in its comfort until our cover disappears. 

Peter believed he could escape Jesus’ notice and that of the crowd by the fireside in the court of the high priest, but who escapes the eyes of the All-knowing God? Who can follow Jesus and not bear some distinctive characteristics as His disciple? Peter had them all over him, and when his denials became comical, his Galilean accent betrayed him.

We too bear Christ’s identifying marks. No matter how hard we try to conceal them, people will see us for who we are and how hypocritical we become! Following from afar and hiding in the crowd wouldn’t help us, for a day will come when our public and private lives will collide to demand a critical decision (cf. Esther 4:8).

So why not live in God’s light and boldness, which is His expectation for us and His glory? Remember, you are His chosen and beloved child, and your life should reflect that truth.

Pray with Me:

Father, as we go into the weekend, help us be ourselves—as true children. We want to walk boldly in the identity of your kingdom and defy the enemy by standing up for Jesus. Please let your full armor, which we wear every day, shine brightly to draw the lost to you in Christ, amen.

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