Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus…Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in. The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?”

He said, “I am not.” John 18:15-17(excerpts) The Message

It’s painful to read about this – how Peter denied being a follower of Jesus. I’m sure living it was much worse. Every time I read Peter’s denial – the first of three – I feel slightly sick. I know what happens later. I know Peter is forgiven and goes on to spread the news of Jesus’ love. But still.

Standing in the dark, outside the court where Jesus is being questioned, fear grows inside Peter. It takes hold of him. So he does what he must to avoid being taken into custody, tried, and executed: he denies who he is.

Such fear in those of us who follow Jesus is still here, still grows when life and limb are in danger. I think that’s why we pray in the Lord’s Prayer: save us from the time of trial. Because none of us know what we will say, standing in the dark, when someone says to us, “aren’t you…?”