Looking in the Mirror

“Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus.

Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.”

John 18:15-16

 

It is interesting to me that in the two verses above the other unnamed disciple was immediately allowed into the High Priests court while Peter initially was not. Was this other disciple as outspoken as Peter had been in times past?

Probably not!

Why do we sometimes face trials that others in the same boat seem to skip?

I believe that because God knows men’s hearts, He knew there was something about Peter that had to be revealed to Peter himself.

We are sometimes unwilling to admit some things about ourselves until we come face-to-face with the behavior or attitude in a moment of personal crisis.

Peter had boldly declared in front of many witnesses that he would never deny Christ yet his words failed to match his actions.

Peter was confronted that night by his own failure.

I believe God allowed the test of Peter’s words that night to show him what was in his own heart.

This also served as an opportunity to later reveal to Peter the profound love, grace and forgiveness of God.

That same profound love, grace and forgiveness that is available to all of us!