Jesus calls out Peter for his rashness. Peter had said that Jesus was wrong! That he would follow Him all the way to death itself. Jesus knows that this is not true. He knew what was about to take place. He knew how weak Peter would be and how he would fail. In fact, this is where He says the rooster will not crow before Peter denies Him three times. We see from the other gospel accounts that the others joined with Peter and said they would lay down their lives too, but in the end Jesus would go alone. This He knew He had to do alone.
Know that we are weak. We need Jesus every step of the way. We need the power of God at every level and every moment of our lives when we do not listen to Jesus, when we think our way is better than God's, when we get into trouble. Without His strength we have nothing.
This is true with God's work in the church. You cannot save anyone. Only God can do that work. Only God can change the heart and give spiritual birth. It is for us to listen, to pray, and to tell the truth of God's glory, grace, and love. Let Him do His work. Let us listen and obey.
Consider: Mark 14:66-72
