What is the meaning of Luke 22:56? A servant girl • In the unfolding drama of Jesus’ trial, the first witness against Peter is “a servant girl” (Mark 14:66; John 18:17). • Scripture often shows God allowing the lowly to speak truth—think of the slave girl who identified Naaman’s need for a prophet (2 Kings 5:2-3) or Rhoda recognizing Peter at the gate (Acts 12:13-15). • 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,” highlighting how even the least regarded can become instruments in His plan. Saw him seated in the firelight • Luke has just noted, “They kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together” (Luke 22:55). The glow exposes Peter as he tries blending in. • John 18:18 parallels the scene: “The servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire … and Peter was also standing with them.” • Firelight contrasts with spiritual darkness; Jesus had warned, “Walk while you have the light, so that darkness will not overtake you” (John 12:35). Peter’s choice of company now tests that warning. Looked intently at him • The servant girl doesn’t glance—she scrutinizes. Luke employs the same idea when describing how “all who were in the synagogue were watching Him closely” (Luke 4:20) and when Peter later “looked intently” at the lame man before healing him (Acts 3:4). • Under the Spirit’s inspiration, Luke records this piercing gaze to show that Peter can’t hide; Hebrews 4:13 states, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” “This man also was with Him,” she said • Her accusation is direct, linking Peter to Jesus. It fulfills Jesus’ prophecy: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:34). • Similar charges echo from other bystanders (Matthew 26:71-73; Mark 14:69-70; John 18:25-26), showing growing pressure on Peter. • Ironically, her words are true: Peter was indeed “with Him” in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33) and pledged loyalty (Luke 22:33). His imminent denial underscores human frailty apart from divine strength (John 15:5). summary Luke 22:56 captures the first blow to Peter’s resolve: a humble servant girl, illuminated by courtyard fire, studies him and boldly links him to Jesus. Her observation begins the chain of denials, fulfilling Jesus’ warning and exposing the weakness of self-confidence. The episode reminds us that God can use anyone to reveal truth, that light exposes what darkness tries to conceal, and that true faithfulness requires reliance on Christ, not on our own strength. |
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