Mark 14:54 Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire.

Who follows Jesus at a distance during His arrest?

Peter (Mark 14:54)

Another disciple known to the high priest (John 18:15)

ἠκολούθησεν (“had followed”) – 3S Aorist Active Indicative of ἀκολουθέω

“to move behind someone in the same direction, come after; to follow or accompany someone who takes the lead, accompany, go along with, often of the crowd following Jesus; to follow someone as a disciple, be a disciple, follow” (BDAG, 37).

Where does Peter go while following Jesus?

“right into the courtyard of the high priest” (Mark 14:54).

τήν αὐλήν  (“the courtyard”) – “an area open to the sky, frequently surrounded by buildings, and in some cases partially by walls, enclosed open space, courtyard; a dwelling  complex (the social and business uses of the αὐλή, as well as the juxtaposition of the courtyard and other quarters, encouraged extension of the term αὐλή to the entire complex); of royal property, the ‘court’ of a prince...palace ” (BDAG 150).

Who was the high priest?

Caiaphas (Matt 26:3)

“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas” (Matt 26:3).

What does Peter do in the courtyard of the high priest?

“He was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire” (Mark 14:54).

“Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself” (John 18:18).

Father,

Anyone who serves Jesus must follow Him and where Jesus is, there His servants will be also. If anyone serves Jesus, You honor him. Though Peter stumbled, he followed Jesus, proving the discipleship of the Lord, and You honored Peter, just as Jesus said. When Peter was restored and strengthened his brothers, preaching the Gospel and leading in the cause of Christ, You granted Peter great fruitfulness in the Lord, glory and thanks to You from Whom fruitfulness comes.

Jesus said that if anyone would come after Him, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Him. May You strengthen Jesus’ disciples to follow Him in self-denial and daily cross-bearing devotion that is simple, pure, full-hearted, uncompromising, bold, motivated by sincere love, compelled by Christ’s love, and glorifying to You and Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.