It’s commonly held that Peter denied Jesus out of fear. Like the other disciples, he had heard Jesus’ explanation of His coming death and yet reacted. 

Much is also made of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus though the other disciples fled the scene, it is Peter and Judas whose actions we always talk about. Here is the contrast: Judas intentionally, willfully, and premeditatedly gave Jesus up to be arrested Matt 26:14-16 As for the other ten disciples, it is unclear whether they were questioned or otherwise held to account by strangers the way Peter was.  The Gospels describe it as they fled and hid together, which meant they had at least comfort in numbers. Look what Peter does. Peter denied Jesus, he also placed himself in a position physically close to Jesus to be near Him in some way. Peter didn’t deny Jesus; he denied knowing Jesus to three strangers. His later repentance would show that he never wanted to abandon Jesus.

Perhaps Peter was angry that this was the plan. He didn’t want Jesus to suffer.  Neither man seemed to be on the same page as Jesus and didn’t want to face the reality of Jesus not doing what they hoped He would do.

What can we learn from Peter denying Jesus?

Jesus knows far more than we do about how we will think, speak, and act. Jesus reveals that Peter will deny Him. Before it happened, Jesus washes Peter’s feet and the other disciples’ feet, Colin talked about this in his class. There is a lesson for us in that alone. Peter is still included in the final moments before Jesus’ arrest. In other words, Jesus anticipates Peter’s actions, yet He does not cast him out of the group. Rather, Peter receives the same instruction and encouragement as his peers.

 I know that some of my actions in my life God would not be pleased.

Jesus always stands ready to forgive and restore. After the resurrection Jesus appears multiple times to the disciples and others. On one occasion, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him (some would say one for each time he denied knowing Jesus). Who knows? 

Jesus knew that Peter would deny him, and He loved him anyway. Similarly, He understands that the pressures of this life wear on us and can cause us to do or say things we should not.  The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us...” 1 John1:9  Focus and concentration for me can be difficult to master sometimes. Sure, most people want to learn how to improve focus and boost concentration. But actually, doing it? We live in a noisy world and constant distractions can make focus difficult. That's why we need to stay focused on what we are on this earth for, to teach God's word. I think I know why God told me I need to pray without ceasing. That means to have our minds always on things of God. I don’t want to ever directly or indirectly deny our God!