Denial

And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.”

Matthew 26:72

Which is worse…

betrayal or denial?

Betrayal can have a host of motives

but denial seems driven by fear.

Would I deny Jesus if I felt death

for knowing Him was near?

Which is more cowardly…

hiding or lying?

Most disciples hid in that moment Jesus was seized

and didn’t even try to stand by.

Would I have risked standing on the periphery

to support Jesus about to die?

Which matters most…

truth or deception?

Recognized by all who saw through

Peter’s cover was completely blown.

Discovered as a disciple, yet he

refused to make the Master known.

What really happened then…

Jesus was right.

Disciples fled in fear and panic

and Peter disowned Him on that night.

Yet they would still be His apostles

sent to tell even this pain-filled part of the story, by Jesus set right!

We can hide.

We can deny.

Yet Jesus forgives

His truth lives

in broken hearts

repenting of our mixed motivations

we can still proclaim a worthy Savior!