# 726 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus of Nazareth." 68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are saying." And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.
As we read the other gospel accounts of this incident, we know that Peter and John had managed to crash the proceedings. John apparently had higher connections and was allowed into the actual trial.
Peter had to stay outside, but John went out to the servant girl who was watching the gate and convinced the servant girl to let Peter into the courtyard.
His first denial actually took place as he entered the courtyard because the servant girl asked him at the door, “You also are not one of the man's disciples, are you?” And Peter replied, “I am not.” (Jn 18:17) With this simple denial, Peter was allowed in. (Not only into the courtyard, but into the circle of lying.)
As he warmed himself by the fire with other servants and the officers of the arresting party, another servant girl accuses him of being one of Jesus' disciples. He wasn't prepared for this challenge, and out of fear, denied the charge.
Quick lesson for all of us: Peter lied to get in, and now he would have to continue to lie to stay in. Isn't that the way of all lying?
No wonder Scripture tells us: Ps 120:2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.
Pr 12:22 ¶ Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Mt 5:37 "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
There is no freedom in hiding under a lie, eventually you will have to lie again, and again, and again. Speak the truth, it sets you free.
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