THE DENIAL OF PETER

Paul Rutherford

Central Truth

What is arguably Peter's darkest moment recorded in Scripture is not the end of his story. He has hope in God.

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72)

Peter Denies Jesus

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway^{1

14:68
Or forecourt} and the rooster crowed.^{2

14:68
Some manuscripts omit and the rooster crowed} 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.^{3

14:72
Or And when he had thought about it, he wept}

Footnotes

[1] 14:68 Or forecourt
[2] 14:68 Some manuscripts omit and the rooster crowed
[3] 14:72 Or And when he had thought about it, he wept

I know what you’re thinking, "I've read this before. I already know it. I got this."

I know this because that’s how I usually read Scripture.

I have to confess that’s my typical M.O. for Bible reading. I usually dismissively approach it because it isn't new to me; therefore, I don't need to listen.

But that wouldn't be true, would it? The truth is I need to listen up. I need to learn from Peter’s mistake. Don’t deny Christ! That's what we’re supposed to learn here, right?

I need to learn this because really I am Peter. I, too, have denied Christ.

I am so quick to judge Peter as unfaithful. I tell myself, "If I had been there, I would have stood for Christ. Deny Him? No way! Not me! But Peter? Tsk. Tsk. Poor Peter. He just doesn't have it together. Not like I do."

This is how it goes in my head. Sound familiar?

Just the other day, my wife and I had a disagreement. It was evening; I was tired. I checked out. I left the kitchen and walked back to the bedroom. I laid down. I did not man up and lead my wife through the conflict. I had an opportunity to live for Christ, to proclaim that I am indeed one of His. Instead of affirming Christ in my opportunity, I denied Him.

I am Peter, and the sad reality is, I have denied Christ many more times than just three. It’s a good thing Jesus went on to die on that cross. Otherwise, I, too, might have died on different tree, like a different disciple, for a different reason.

No, in Christ my doubts have been redeemed. My fear has been baptized. My flesh has been crucified. My life is now in Christ. And in Him is hope forevermore.

My name is Peter. I denied Christ in His darkest hour, but my denial does not define me nor is it the end of my story. So how about you? How will your story go?

1. Have you denied Christ? How so?

2. Are you sorry about it? If so, take a moment now to confess it to God. He offers forgiveness. If not, ask yourself why you have no remorse. Ask God to reveal to you why you lack remorse.

3. Have you done #2 yet? You really need to do that one. Don't just read through this. You're not helping yourself by just reading text on a screen.