Providential, Circumstances Leading Peter Into the Situation in Which He Denied His Master

    Peter was to deny his Master, and the circumstances that led to this event were providentially ordered. Peter begins to fear, but he loses not all courage at once. He followed Jesus, though at a distance. In this way he saw no danger. He still loves the Lord, and wishes to hear how the matter would go in the high priest's hall. But how shall he gain admittance? There is a person that keeps the door, and he has no interest. Here a link is furnished for the chain in John. He knows the keeper of the door, and gains an entrance for Peter. Had it not been for this circumstance Peter would not have been put to the trial, and Peter would not have fallen. What a sovereignty is in this Providence! By keeping Peter out, Jesus might have kept Peter from denying him, and preserved his own cause from the reproach. Yet it was the sovereign will of his Providence that they should take place. Peter, then, is introduced into the place where he falls. Peter is so cautious as not to stand by the side of Jesus; yet he is not so cautious as to hide in a corner. He mingles with the officers and servants round the fire. Here he is again and again recognised. Yet not a word about the recognition of John, or of any other! Peter is the only man that is so often identified. He who sees not Providence in this affair is as blind as Bartimaeus. He who will not recognise Sovereignty in this Providence may deny design in the works of creation.