LOYALTY AS PETER FELT IT
After the traitor went out into the night—oh such a night for him! Jesus continued to teach and to comfort the Eleven.
Love One Another.
"A new commandment I give unto you," He said, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Among other things, He said, referring to His approaching death, "Whither I go ye cannot come."
This stirred Peter's love and he inquired, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake."[[4]]
Peter to Be Tried.
"Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, [that is, "brought back afresh as a penitent disciple">[ strengthen thy brethren."[[5]]
This grieved Peter very deeply. To think that his Master would even suspect that he, Peter, would even weaken in his steadfastness to his Lord! (It is significant that the Lord called him by his old name, Simon).
Peter protested, saying, "Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death."[[6]]
A Prophecy.
"I tell you, Peter," continued the Savior, "that the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."
But, he spake the more vehemently. "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise so said they all."[[7]]
Peter meant every word he said, and he felt deeply the truth of what he spake; but his real strength had not come to him yet, and his Master knew it. It would come but it would be "Born in the deep silence of a long-suffering heart."