LUKE 22:33

 But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." - Luke 22:33

I always say that you don't know how you will react until a situation actually happens.  

I'm sure Peter was sincere when he said this.  I'm sure in that moment he thought that no matter what happened, he was going to be up to the challenge.  But, we just never know until it happens.

That's why I try not to judge when people make a mistake.  (I said "try"). We really don't know that if we were in the same situation at the same time and same place that we would act any different.  Obviously, we'll find out later, when Peter realizes that he had said this and didn't follow through, that he felt horrible and regretted that decision.  But, who is to say that we wouldn't have ditched You too?

So, do we just not say things like this?  Maybe.  But, more importantly, if someone says something and then doesn't do it later, maybe I could at least remember that I am capable of exactly the same thing.