Peter and the other disciples were so intent on claiming that they would never fall away that they didn’t really listen to what Jesus was saying. They were busy justifying themselves. Even if others disowned Him, they never would. Furthermore there were arguments as to who was the most important disciple!
These denials and self-centered attitudes occupied all their thoughts. If only they had really listened, they could have saved themselves so much heartache. They would not have been so grief-stricken when He was crucified. But they just were not listening. No-one questioned or registered when He said ‘After I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Jerusalem.’.
Peter would later remember Jesus’ words where He had predicted that he would deny Him three times. The realisation after he had done so, brought anguish to his heart, But he hadn’t really listened to Jesus but no-one picked up the words
How often are we like that? Jesus speaks to as, or we read it in the Bible, or we hear the words in a sermon. Then we don’t really listen or we forget. We could save ourselves so much pain and sorrow. The Bible tells us many times ‘Do not be afraid.’ Yet we still fear. Jesus says ‘Follow me’ and then we go our own way. Listen to Him, He has the words of wisdom and comfort.