“But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.” Matthew 26:58 (NKJV)

After three and a half years of powerful and purposeful ministry, Peter, who walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, and who had been taught by Jesus experienced a shift in His relationship with Him, birthed in dedication but now found at an unanticipated distance. It is a place that none of us who confess the lordship of Christ ever want to be. Be careful now, don’t you dare prejudge Peter when we all have followed Jesus at distances far beyond when we first received Him. It is not unusual, uncommon, or unfounded to find Peter at a place that we have often found ourselves. Following Jesus from a distant place other than where we first enjoyed our most intimate relationship with Him.

While fishing on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus beckons Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him. What happens next is a demonstration of their dedication to Jesus. “They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:20 (NKJV) The dedication that Peter had towards Jesus and His ministry at this time was unquestionable. He left “everything” to follow Jesus the son of the living God. Isn’t this the place where we all begin? We are willing to give up everything, if not immediately we make a pledge to do so in the not too distant future. Peter’s dedication led him, along with the other eleven to a commitment to discipleship. Jesus not only wants us to become disciples but He calls us to make disciples as well (See Matthew 28). A disciple is simply a learner who follows both the teaching and the teacher.

Even when we have the best of intentions as surely Peter did, there are bumps in the road and mountains to overcome that often lead us to apprehension and doubt. Our faith is often tested regarding our discipleship and relationship with Jesus. We are challenged to follow Jesus even in adversity yet, we often fail. You may recall the story when Jesus was walking on the water and in response to Peter’s request to join Him there He said to Peter, “Come.” Peter began His faith walk upon the water only to be distracted with the strong winds that were blowing which caused him to take his eyes off Jesus and as a result he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus for help, and Jesus saved him from perishing yet admonished him by saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt.” Matthew 14:31 (NKJV)

The greatest defining moment in Peter’s relationship with Jesus was the moment of his denial of Him. Jesus prophesied it and then punctuated it with the sound of a rooster’s crow. Peter denied Him not once but three times. Peter “contradicted” or “disavowed” his relationship with Jesus. It is important to understand that denial can take upon several forms of behavior or conduct, not exclusive to a verbal denial. We deny Him when any part of our life does not reflect our profession of faith and trust in Him. After his denial, Peter found himself in despair. He then went and wept bitterly because of what he had done. He was now following Jesus from a distance that he had never known before. The guilt, shame, and remorse of his denial were too overwhelming. Thank God that this was not the end of the story. Jesus knew beforehand that Peter was going to deny Him and ultimately follow Him at distance so He actually encouraged him in advance. “But I have prayed for you; that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:32 (NKJV) Even when we are distant from Him, he never denies His relationship with us. We can always return to the loving arms of Jesus. Let someone know today that Jesus is waiting on their return.