Station 4, Day 1

Station 4, Day 1

Jesus is denied by Peter

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”  Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.[1]

Meditation

            The fourth Station of the Cross occurs after Jesus is taken from the Garden of Gethsemane to the house of the high priest under the cover of darkness. Peter, who was with Jesus in the Garden, follows at a distance. A servant-girl, who was probably among the crowd witnessing Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, recognizes Peter and reveals that Peter had been with Jesus in the Garden. Peter denies knowing Jesus.

            Peter’s reaction, while not being what we would hope from ourselves, is understandable. He was tired and confused. His beloved leader had been captured, bound, and led away. The life Peter had given up everything for was beginning to crumble. Denying Jesus to protect himself in this situation should not surprise us, nor make us think less of Peter or his devotion to Jesus.

Spiritual Discipline

Fast for the next 3 days by substituting water for whatever beverage you most commonly drink during the day. When you desire a cup of coffee or cola, remember Jesus being denied by one of his closest and most beloved disciples. When you miss your caffeine energy boost, remember how Jesus was kept awake through this entire night.

Prayer

            Forgiving Savior, I empathize with Peter’s denial of you because I, too, deny knowing you. When I fear looking foolish, or when I am not with people of faith, or when I am doing something I feel will disappoint you, I pretend as if I do not belong to you. Strengthen me, O Lord, to defend and make you known, regardless of the situation. Amen.

This is the 15^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes.Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 22:54-62