Saturday 29th March
Read Mark 14:69-70a
“When the servant-girl saw him there, she said again to those standing round them, ‘This fellow is one of them.’ 70 Again he denied it.” (NIVUK)
Many understand the differing accounts of Peter’s three denials to be evidence that scripture is not to be trusted. Whilst they can be reconciled if one chooses, the overwhelming agreement amongst the four gospels is far greater than the differences. All four gospels agree on the role of this servant girl, both initially and amongst the bystanders.
It is easy to overlook that this servant girl belonged to the high priest. As did Malchus whom Peter attacked in the garden. Her identification of Peter, whilst innocent enough on the surface, posed more of a problem for him than we might think. He could easily be the very next person standing before the court. He may have soon been standing with Jesus. That he didn’t flee the scene entirely and was still present in the courtyard after first being identified is a mark of his courage.
His courage may not have extended to standing with Jesus as he claimed, but scripture, and Jesus, knew that the pressure would be too much. We would likely not have even been in the courtyard… When we sing songs declaring our undying faith in Jesus with such boldness and enthusiasm it is worth remembering Peter.
