Stations of the Cross (4)

Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62)

Luke 22:54–62 (NIV84)

54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus told Simon Peter that he will fail,

But like us, Peter trusted in his own strength,

and failed horribly.

Denying the One who has the Words of Life.

Preferring security.

Denying Jesus again and again and again.

We are so easily tempted,

To lie, to betray for our own ends,

Denying You,

Lord, lead us in the way everlasting.

Lord, lead us in the way everlasting.

You had asked us to follow you.

and we did,

but on our own terms and at our convenience.

Forgive our denial, O Lord.

Lord, lead us in the way everlasting.

Lord, lead us in the way everlasting.

.