JOHN xviii. 17. “Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples?”

THIS was a direct question. There was no getting past
it. Outspoken and defiant even in his sin, Peter faced up
to the inquiry, and said in reply, “I am not.”
Every critical occurrence in our history comes to a point
in this question. In fact, the life of each of us, whether
we are conscious of it or not, is an answer to this question.
There are four possible replies.
I. There are those who say “Yes” when they ought to
say “No.” This is hypocrisy. Those who belong to this
class are loud in their professions, and if there were no
other day in the week than the Sabbath, and no other
place than the church, they might pass without suspicion.
But when you follow them into the world, you hear the
denial, “I am not,” as emphatically as you heard the “I
am.” The life appears to be cut in two.
II. There are those who say “No,” and say it truly.
This is avowed ungodliness. Such persons live thought-
lessly: sometimes are guilty of positive wickedness; and
even when they are not immoral, their excellence is only
negative. They say, “We do not profess”—as if the
enmity were less guilty because it is admitted !
III. There are some who say “No” when they should
say “Yes.”
1. Some give that answer to the world. Like Peter,
they yield to the fear of man. They act under the blind
impulse of panic. Remember that your fears are for the
most part imaginary. Peter in this case was in no danger.
2. Sometimes the answer is given to the Church. A
real disciple says, “I am not qualified to be a Church
member.” But modesty may be pressed to such an excess
as to become disobedience.
IV. There are those who, being disciples, answer “Yes ”
on all days, in all circumstances, and in all places,—and
that is Christian steadfastness.
W. M. Taylor, D.D.