Scripture: Matthew 26:31-35 (NIV)

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Obi-Wan Kenobi warned him. With all of his experience on Tatooine, with his experience with the inhabitants and with this specific cantina, Obi-Wan told Luke that “this place can get a little rough.” And what was Luke’s response?

“I’m ready for anything.”

Ready for anything. This young buck who had barely been ten miles from his homestead in his life, who had just that day been laid low by Tusken Raiders when instead of fleeing he decided to “take a look”. It’s often a function (but not limited) to youth to think they have everything figured out when they really don’t know anything, something that Luke quickly figured out once he pushed through the doors of the cantina.

Pride can certainly lead to arrogance which can quickly lead to humility. Last Christmas, we entered our house into the local Christmas lights contest. For those of you that know me, you know that I have grown my display for years and last year was no different. On the night of the judging, everything was up and ready to be seen. However, there was one little item, a snowman cutout that used to have lights on it but they had burned out. There was an extra set of bulbs that I didn’t realize were set aside to be looked at because they weren’t working well. I tossed those lights on that display piece and plugged it in. The more the better, right?

Wrong. Everything immediately went dark. Flipping breakers didn’t work. It took an electrician coming out to try to get it going for the night and eventually the entire breaker box had to be rebuilt. Obviously, we weren’t able to be judged and missed out on winning the big prize. All because, in my arrogance, I couldn’t leave something alone.

The most famous of these examples, though, has to be Peter. Peter never did anything in half measures. It was either all in or all out. In our Scripture today, he’s all in. He’s going to follow Jesus right to the cross. He’ll die for this teacher, this friend, this Lord. Nothing is going to stop him from being the best follower he can be.

Until it does. Jesus knew Peter so well and loved him, even as He told Peter the truth. Peter’s arrogance would quickly wither when faced with the harsh reality of the campfire and accusing questions. Jesus would restore Peter back to fellowship after His Resurrection, having Peter pledge his love three times to counter the three denials, but that Peter was much less arrogant, much less sure of himself, more willing to listen and learn.

Do we need to learn the hard lessons? Can we temper our pride without having the shock of aliens crowding the bar or the darkness descending on a Christmas display? If we listen to the Lord on a regular basis, we can. We’ll always have some pride, most likely, but we can keep it in check when we realize all we have and all we are is His. The only way we are ready for anything is if we are holding His hand when we face it down. Keep humility with you at all times and your falls will be few and far between!