Scripture
Suddenly Jesus’ words floated through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me. And he broke down and wept.

Observation,
While Jesus is being interrogated by the religious leaders, Peter is in the High Priest’s courtyard.

One of the High Priest’s servant girls recognises Peter and says, “You are one of Jesus’ followers.” Peter denies this. The same girl then tells other people that Peter is one of Jesus’ followers. But Peter again denies it.

Some of the other bystanders later recognise Peter’s accent as Galilean, and they accuse him of being a disciple of Jesus. For the third time Peter denies it.

Then Peter remembers Jesus’ prophecy and he weeps.

Application
It is easy for us to pass judgement on Peter for this moment of weakness. But how can we be sure we would do anything different?

This is not the last word on Peter’s faithfulness to Jesus.

A few days later, Jesus will forgive Peter and restore him to the fellowship.

And in a few weeks, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, will make a bold proclamation of the gospel, leading to 3,000 people being saved in one day.

Failure and sin are not the last word. We commit ourselves to the Lord, and everything changes.

Peter the denier becomes Peter the bold preacher and, eventually, Peter the martyr.

Listen
Lord, what would you say to me today regarding Peter?

Keith, Peter is a great disciple. He made mistakes, but he learned and he grew in knowledge of me and in wisdom. That is why he was recognised as one of the early leaders in the church.

Be like Peter. Be filled over and over with the Holy Spirit. Let me direct your paths and trust me always.