This sad account of Peter’s denial of Jesus was written by John who witnessed it all.  He was the ‘other disciple’.  The authorities knew he was the closest companion of Jesus and so was allowed to accompany Him into the high priest’s courtyard.  Peter was barred from entering. But John asked the servant girl on the gate to let Peter in.  It was night time and cold.  The wood fire drew a mixture of servants and religious officials and guards, and Peter stood with them, glad of the warmth.

Earlier that day Peter had boasted, "'Even if all fall away, I will not.' [But Jesus said] 'Truly I tell you, ... today – yes, tonight – before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.'  But Peter insisted emphatically, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the others said the same."  (Mark 14:29-31).  He thought he could save Jesus.  So, he then sat down by the fire (Mark 14:54), still convinced that somehow he could change the course of history.

All Peter succeeded in doing was to prove Jesus right!  The servant girl who let him in asked if he was a disciple of Jesus.  His answer was a lie, a downright lie that showed that his bravery was very shallow.  It was to be the first of Peter’s three denials, just as Jesus predicted.
 
Pride and lies often go together.  We may like to think that we are bigger people than we are.  And in thinking that, we are lying to ourselves.  Then more lies are needed to keep projecting our false image.  If we think that we are the answer to God’s problems, that is another lie.  We may be called to serve God, but if we think that we can protect God we are wrong.  Even as we serve the Lord, pride easily rises and we lie to ourselves about our strength and importance – even thinking that God depends on us.  And to prove it, we lie to others to support our own pride.  Foolishness indeed!  It is time to repent!