Peter’s Denial

Would you want to be in Peter’s shoes when he realizes Jesus’ prophetic prediction of his denial has just come true? Peter’s famous last words to Jesus, as we read them in the book of Mark, were, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you” (The Bible, ESV Study Bible. English Standard Version. Mark 14:31, emphasis added). Jesus had just told Peter that he would deny Him not just once but thrice that night before the rooster crowed twice (Mark 14:30). Jesus predicted Peter’s denial of Him.

Peter boasted of his loyalty before danger struck. Still, sure enough, when push came to shove, Peter felt fear sweep over him as he warmed himself by the fire. While Jesus was being questioned, spit on, and beaten – he denied knowing Jesus. Just then, a rooster crowed, and then again, he denied it, and the third time, he swore that he did not know Jesus. Each denial is more intense, but he recoiled when the rooster crowed for the second time. Saddened, Peter remembered the words of Jesus at that moment and wept bitterly when he realized what he had done (Mark 14:66-72). His betrayal probably made him think of himself as another Judas. We must remember that his treachery had happened just moments before. Peter may fear that he cannot be forgiven considering what Jesus said: whoever denies Him, He will deny before the Father (Matt. 10:33).

Nevertheless, as we read in the book of John, after Jesus’ resurrection, upon finishing breakfast, Jesus takes Peter aside for a private conversation. He asks him three times if he loves Him, each more intensely. Does that sound familiar? Peter gets frustrated and hurt by Jesus’ questioning, but each time, we see Jesus asking Peter to feed and tend to His lambs and sheep (John 21:15-17 emphasis added). Through everything, Jesus knows Peter needs restoration. He offers grace, letting Peter know He has forgiven him and that God can still use him for Kingdom work (Osborne 291).

Today, we can all say we have fallen short and sometimes betrayed or denied Jesus. Still, in His grace, God offers restoration and opportunities to use us to further the Kingdom by feeding His sheep, although He does not need us to complete His mission. What a blessing that He chooses to use us. I pray we turn to Him in repentance when we fail so our fellowship with Christ can be restored.

Works Cited

Osborne, Grant R. Mark, Baker Books, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=3425695.

The Bible. ESV Study Bible. English Standard Version. Crossway, 2001.