Peter Denies Jesus

“Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.’”—Luke 22:34 (NKJV)

Much confusion and uncertainty surrounded Jesus’ arrest and trial. The disciples were no doubt frightened. Their world was taking on a dark dimension and their dreams were shattering before their eyes.

Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before morning—or the time of crowing of the rooster, a sure sign of time to awaken. Peter thought he was on solid ground. He would never deny Christ.

Peter followed “at a distance,” as Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house. His determination failed him. If he admitted he knew Jesus and was His follower, would the same fate await Him as Christ was then enduring?

“I do not know Him!” If we consider to whom Peter denied Christ, the denial seems even more dastardly. First it was to a servant girl. And then to “another” and to a “man.” All of these were gathered around the courtyard fire trying to keep warm. They could have been “street people,” so far as we know. Certainly not those in high authority. Had Peter so soon forgotten that Christ predicted he would deny the Lord? It took the rooster’s crowing to awaken Peter to the magnitude of his denial. Then he went out and wept bitterly. He had failed his Lord at a most crucial time.

We are sometimes too judgmental of Peter’s denial without thinking how we, too, deny the Lord. Peter’s inconsistent faith was certainly evidenced by his denial. But there was hope for Peter. He “wept bitterly,” showing his sorrow for his action. Then later by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus told Peter three times, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19). He was forgiven and restored. He had a job to do in the Lord’s kingdom. And Peter performed that assignment faithfully. Like Peter, we can repent and be restored for Christ’s purpose in our life.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, March 26, 2010