The Danger of Self-Confidence: Peter’s Fall

Peter loved Jesus, but on the night before Christ’s crucifixion, his confidence rested too heavily in himself. When Jesus warned that the disciples would be offended because of Him, Peter confidently declared:

“Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” — Matthew 26:33 (KJV)

Peter believed his devotion and courage were strong enough to withstand the coming trial. Jesus knew otherwise and warned him that before the cock crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. Only hours later, under pressure and fear, Peter did exactly what he had insisted he would never do. Afterward, “he went out, and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75, KJV).

Peter’s fall reveals the danger of self-confidence without dependence upon God. Our greatest spiritual weakness may appear when we believe we are strongest. Scripture warns, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12, KJV). Christ had already given Peter the remedy: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, KJV). Peter needed not greater confidence in Peter, but greater dependence upon Christ.

This lesson is especially important in the urgency of country living and spiritual preparation. Land, gardens, wells, stored food, financial resources, and practical skills can be valuable preparations, but they must never become substitutes for trusting God. We can leave the cities and still carry pride, fear, unbelief, and self-sufficiency into the country. The greater preparation is a heart that has learned to pray, obey, trust God, and depend upon Him completely. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, KJV).

Peter’s experience reminds us that preparation without dependence upon God is insufficient. Our confidence must not be in what we know, what we possess, or what we believe we can endure. Our confidence must be in God.

“For when I am weak, then am I strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV)