Scripture

Suddenly Jesus’ words flashed through his mind, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

Observation

While Jesus is undergoing a travesty of a trial in the high priest’s house, Peter is sitting outside. Some servant girls identify Peter as a follower of Jesus. Peter denies knowing Him.

Later some other bystanders come over to Peter and say they can tell by his Galilean accent that he must be a disciple of Jesus. He again denies it. Then the rooster crows, and Peter remembers the words of Jesus that he would deny knowing Jesus three times.

Application

The prophecy of the Lord about Peter’s three- fold denial of Him brings a terrible burden of guilt to Peter. He weeps bitterly.

We may wonder if this prophecy was a help or a hindrance to Peter. Would he have been better off if Jesus had not warned him of his impending sin?

The Lord only does things that will bring about our greatest good. In warning Peter about this sin, Jesus was not just wanting to burden him with guilt. His intention was to prompt him to repent.

And repent he did! Peter fell for a moment, but he went on to follow Jesus faithfully for the rest of his life.

Judas was also warned about his sin, but he failed to repent, preferring to kill himself rather than facing the mercy of the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, when you convict me of my sin, either before or after the event, please give me grace to turn back to you. Amen.