Matthew 26:40-41 says, “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

John 18:10-12 says, “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him.”

Luke 22:54-62 says, “Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”

Peter is one of those disciples that we can all relate to. He was very outspoken, and even at times appeared prideful, curious and emotional. He always went with the flow of the moment. When Jesus asked the disciples who He was, it was Peter that responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He was there at the Mount of Transfiguration. When Jesus was walking on the water, Peter was the only disciple that asked Jesus if he could walk out there on the water to him. Everyone else could condemn him for his “lack of faith”, but the truth of the matter is that no one else was willing to step out. Anyways, he, just like Judas, was anointed by God to be one of Christ’s disciples, and utilized such power. He was just a fishermen. He was not a very learned individual, but because he had been with Jesus, he grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God. However, he had many lessons to learn along the way, and these lessons would either make him or break him!

Jesus was discussing with His disciples concerning His death and persecution, even some of them did not fully understand what was to come. That is when He had told Peter, “I have been praying for you.” Jesus had already been interceding on Peter’s behalf because He knew not only his personality, but also what His heavenly Father had already showed Him. The enemy will always place a target on those who pose a threat against him in an attempt to destroy him. Satan desires to sift all of God’s people as wheat, yet because of Christ’s sacrifice and intercession, we do not have to be a victim of Satan’s plan. Jesus had been praying that when Peter fell in temptation that his faith would not fail, but rather that he would get back up and get in the fight. Peter, instead of responding in gratefulness and humility, said, “Lord, I will go with you unto death or prison.” Then, Christ reveals to him how that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Eventually, one day, Peter’s blood would be shed in honor of his Savior, but he had to go through an experience like this in order to understand he had much more room to grow closer to God. In order to endure persecution for His name, you must maintain a consistent relationship with Him!

After Jesus revealed these things, He took James, John, who were the sons of Zebedee, and Peter across the brook Cedron to the Garden of Gethsemane, which means “the oil press”. It was a place oftentimes that Jesus resorted with His disciples. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” But as He was praying, sorrow and distress began to weigh heavy upon Him. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” He even told them, “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus’ mission was to get to the cross. He knew that He could call for twelve legions of angels to come and take Him, but He also knew that the devil sought to destroy Him before He ever got to the cross. He knew He was at the point of death, right then at that moment in the garden, which is why He wanted the cup to pass from Him. He was in such an emotional strain that His sweat became as drops of blood. But as He was praying, an angel came unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. I am so thankful that an angel came by His way! When He went to His disciples, He found them all asleep, but He spoke and said to Peter, “What, could you not watch with me for one hour. Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation. I believe Peter’s refusal to die to his flesh and pray in the garden was a big key into His denying of Jesus! Three different times did Christ go pray and when He returned, He found His disciples asleep. If we want to overcome temptation, we must watch and pray as our beloved Savior did! After the third time, Jesus said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.” (Mt. 26:45-46)

Afterwards, Judas with his entourage came to captivate Jesus, and it was at this time that Peter drew out a sword from one of the soldier’s sheaths and cut off the ear of the priest’s servant, Malchus. He fell into temptation to do that which was contrary to God’s will because he did not pray in the garden when He was called into prayer. He cared more about petting his flesh out of his own weariness. That is when Jesus told Peter, “Put up your sword.” He was fighting more against flesh and blood that principalities and powers, and he would have understood that more if he would have took the time to pray!

As Jesus was being taken to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas, Peter would deny Him three different times, and after the third time he denied him, the rooster crowed, as the eyes of the flame of fire of Jesus Christ melted his heart. He went away, weeping bitterly in repentance, remembering the words of Jesus Christ. He could have done what Judas did, feeling so miserable over his sin that he committed suicide. Rather, he forgave himself, which took some time, repented to the LORD, and on the day of Pentecost, won 3000 souls to Jesus Christ. It is all about the choices that we make because will always reap the consequences of them.

Many people deny God through their words and actions everyday of their lives. They are fearful in standing up for His name, but, in these last days, we must defend His honor. It may result in slander and persecution, but it is worth the pain and suffering. After all that Jesus suffered for us, we can be willing to suffer for His glory!