Meet Peter. Can you imagine how he felt when Jesus said he would deny him? 
John 13:21-33, 36-38

It’s been three years since I left my home, family, and business to follow Jesus. I remember so clearly the day He asked me to cast my fishing net to the other side of my boat. I was tired and it was hot. A sticky heat that sapped your energy. Especially when the nets were empty after a long night. I’ve spent my entire life on the water – my father John was a fisherman - and I knew there was no way anything was going to be caught that day. Yet something in his voice as He asked, made me follow His command. I’ll never forget how my nets tore as I tried to haul in the massive catch. They were so heavy, and my heart was beating out a rhythm with the tails of the many fish squirming to get out of the net. I witnessed Jesus’ power and glory, and it flooded my heart. Everything I thought I knew suddenly felt like nothing in his presence and I laugh now to think how I asked Him to depart from me in my sinfulness. Then, He called me to follow Him and become a “fisher of men.” Me, a humble and rough man from Galilee, a disciple of a rabbi? How was this happening? It didn’t matter. I just knew it was the right thing to do. And when I’m in, I’m all in! 

From that day on, I have followed Him wherever he went. All over the country, far away from all I held familiar, I have gladly taken this mission to heart.  I have witnessed more miracles than I can recall. I’ve watched as He healed the blind and lame, and more importantly how He has restored dignity to those unloved by our people. He is so different. He makes me want to be different too. He is the Messiah, and I will lay down my life for Him. 

So how could He tell me I will deny Him? What did I do to offend Him? I am His “Rock,” aren’t I? Doesn’t he know by now that I’m the one he can count on? I feel like I have proven myself to Him, but maybe I need to do even more? Not to brag, but it’s become clear I lead this group of disciples. They look up to me and someone needs to keep this unlikely combination of misfits in line. Tonight, as we sat sharing in the Passover meal, Jesus indicated that Judas will betray Him and John and I shared a glance across the table. No surprise there, honestly. I mean, that makes more sense than him thinking I will betray him! Ever since Jesus talked about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, Judas has been quiet and distant. So many people who had once followed Jesus left that day. Jesus even asked if we would desert Him too, but where would we go? That day, I spoke for us all when I said that we have come to believe that He is the Holy One of God. I tried to prove my loyalty to Him, even if I admit, I still don’t really understand all this eating His flesh and drinking His blood business. He spoke about it again tonight during our meal. Does He not see how much I respect Him and believe in His teaching?

Jesus wants to spend time tonight in prayer on Mt. Olive. James, John, and I are planning to stay with Him. The situation with the Sanhedrin has gotten worse and I’m concerned for His safety. None of us really trusts Judas either. That guy was all about the fame and money – I won’t be sad to see him go. But, if he has any malicious plans, I’m not going to let him hurt Jesus! Jesus keeps making comments about suffering and dying, but none of us are going to let that happen. I’m ready to fight for Him if need be. I’m ready to die for Him if need be. There’s no way I will ever deny Him.

I’ll prove it!

Just watch!