Matthew 26:74
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

How could he say such a thing? This is he who had declared Jesus as the Christ. This is he who had seen Jesus walking on the sea and asked to go out there, too. This is he who had pulled in the overflowing net of fish and forsaken it all to follow Jesus. This is he who had been on the mountaintop when Jesus was transfigured and saw the glory of heaven come down to Earth. This is he who stood outside Lazarus’ tomb as a dead man came forth alive. He saw multitudes fed from crumbs. He saw storms cease. He saw lame men walk for the first time. He saw lepers cleansed with a word.

Many had known of Jesus, but Peter had known Him so personally. Peter had walked so closely with Him. Peter had been so involved in everything. And now he says that he does not even know Jesus. Now he curses and swears as if worldly talk would camouflage his association with Jesus. He maybe does it as kind of an unconscious way of distancing himself from the one he called Lord and Master, afraid to be recognized as one of His followers. Gone are his bold claims to never deny his Lord, even to die for Him. And all that is left are some bitter words upon his tongue and then a crushing ache in his heart.

But do we ever try to camouflage our association with Jesus with worldly talk? Do we curse and swear to blend in with those around us, to appear acceptable to them and distance ourselves as followers of Christ? Are there ever situations in our lives where we’re afraid to be recognized as Christians? Do we stand there saying, “I know not the man,” when we’ve committed in our hearts to follow Him, to live for Him, and to serve Him faithfully? After all we’ve seen Him do in our own lives and in others, after going to church on Sunday and reading our Bibles that morning, are we left with only bitter denials on our tongues when we go out into the world?

If we’re only willing to follow Christ and acknowledge Him around like-minded believers or only when it’s safe to or only when it’s easy and comfortable, then we should probably re-evaluate our relationship with the Lord. We might need to repent of some things and fortify our faith in Him. We all make mistakes. We all have moments of weakness. But let us purpose to follow Jesus faithfully even among those who would reject Him and hate us for following Him. Let us refuse to deny Him no matter what it could cost us.