But Peter followed Him afar off.
Danger of following Jesus afar off
I. What induced the apostle to follow Jesus afar of. It was fear of men, of the evil which might fall upon him. He might persuade himself that he could render no help to his Master. Compare the attachment of Ruth to Naomi. The apostle had some affection for Christ, or he would not have followed at all. The only safety is in following fully. Thus Peter’s self-confidence was rebuked.
II. Who were the companions with whom the apostle sat down? And what was his danger in doing so? He was in company hostile to Jesus, but did not resent their hostility. He did not side with his Lord. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” There was a gradual descent in the fall of the apostle. He was first alarmed, and consulted his safety by flight; then he followed Jesus, but afar off; then he entered into the palace; then he sat down among the servants; then he listened without rebuke to their scoffs against Jesus; then he denied that he was a disciple; then he denied with oaths and curses. One step led to another.
III. what was the apostle’s state of mind when he went into the high priest’s palace? And how did this expose him to the danger of falling under temptation? He went in to see the end. Peter was not resolved how he would act. He might think that Christ would avow Himself; put forth His omnipotent power; or that he would acknowledge Jesus. He was in a state of mind easily to be overcome by temptation. He wanted to make his attachment for Christ such as to secure his own safety. (T. Stark.)
Following Christ afar off
I. The symptoms of following Christ afar off.
1. A gradual departure from Him. The first step was self-confidence; the second step was an ignorant zeal for Christ and the use of carnal weapons in His cause. The next step was an abandonment of the cause he had espoused-“Then all the disciples forsook Him.”
2. A disinclination to commune with Him.
3. Indifference to meet Him at public ordinances.
4. An attempt to stretch Christian liberty to the utmost.
II. The sad consequences of following Christ afar off.
1. Such a course grows worse and worse.
2. Such a state brings its own punishment.
3. Such a course is unspeakably offensive to Jesus Christ.
III. Some of the remedies for this state of mind. Consider-
1. Whom you follow.
2. The obligations you are under to follow the Lord closely.
3. What advantages you derive from following Him closely.
4. Who has promised to help you to follow Him.
5. If the consequences of following Christ afar off be so dreadful, what must be the consequence of not following Him at all. (J. Sherman.)