October 4

Text: Matthew 26:58

But Peter also was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.  (NASB)

What trouble we produce for ourselves through curiosity.  Because of curiosity, we go to places where we should not be.  Because of curiosity, we are in situations we should avoid.  Because of curiosity, we must make choices we should never confront.  Because of curiosity, we do things we typically would not do for motives that should never exist.

Peter’s curiosity led him into a situation that produced actions that he never forgot.  That situation was the “stuff” that forms our darkest nightmares.  Peter did something that he would never believe of himself.  Later, he knew that it would not be “fixed” by deep sorrow or regret.  This was a matter of unimaginable personal failure.

Poor Peter!  He ran only a short distance.  Then he followed close enough to see where the arrestors took Jesus, but not close enough to be part of the group.  When he saw that they took him to the rich home of Caiaphas and not to a Jewish or Roman jail, Peter felt safe enough to enter the courtyard.  He would be among the first to know what the Jewish authorities would do with or to Jesus.  He was even bold enough to sit with the officers.

Peter, what were you thinking?  You were not planning to do something, so why go into that courtyard?  What difference would it make when you heard?  Just a little while ago these officers witnessed your ineffective swordsmanship.  What were the chances that one of them would recognize you?  Peter, were you thinking at all?  Did your sorrow overwhelm your judgment?

Before you call Peter stupid, remember the last time (yes, it has happened more than once) that your curiosity replaced your brain.  Curiosity causes people to do thoughtless things.

Suggestion for reflection: When do you react because of curiosity rather than thinking things through?  (Read 2 Peter 1:5-11.)