Denial

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, ‘You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.’ When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. John 18:15-27

Wondrous Creator, you inhabit this world

not shying from it's suffering and shame

walking in the gardens and on hard pavement

you are with us in our fearful and darkest hours.

We fragile humans pretend not to see the pain

we run from the uncomfortable situations

yet you are there in the midst of war and conflict

you never deny that you love all of your creation.

Peter was wracked with fear and denied you

yet your love was bigger than his great failure

forgiveness and restoration are your gifts to us

and we all need that in great measure today.

Help us to walk in the dark and scary places

give us strength to witness to your abiding love

make us compassionate and full of faith

so we might bring your love to a troubled world. Amen.