Denying Christ is a simple two-step process.
Here’s what it looked like for Peter:
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. – Matthew 26:57, 58
1. Follow Jesus at a distance.
Peter kept his distance. He still followed Jesus, just not as passionately as before. When we once followed Jesus closely, but now follow at a distance, we have taken the first step toward denial.
2. Hang out with the wrong crowd.
Peter used to hang out with the disciples. Now he is sitting with the guards, waiting to see what will happen. Hanging with the wrong crowd is the second step in the denial process.
Are you keeping your distance from Jesus?
Are you hanging with the wrong crowd?
If so, don’t wait for the rooster to crow, do what Peter did:
Remember. (Matthew 26:75)
Repent. (Matthew 26:75)
(Today is one of those rare Sunday mornings that I’m not preaching anywhere—so this blog turned into a short preach.)