“Peter followed him afar off” [Mark 14:54]

“Peter followed him afar off”. No one was willing to identify with Jesus at this time. The crowds had turned tail and those that did not openly oppose Him became mute or stayed away. His disciples forsook Him and fled and though John obtained admission to the courtroom, he contributed nothing to Jesus’ defence and merely arranged for Peter to be admitted as well. Peter had vowed that he would not deny His Lord and this may have kept him trailing along. Yet it was at what he felt to be a ‘safe distance’ – but still a target for a servant girl’s accusing finger.
Following afar off contributed most to Peter’s denial of Jesus. In the highway of life the disciple must learn to keep the correct distance – as close as possible to Jesus!