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16. Peter Denies Christ (Matthew 26:69-75)

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MATTHEW 26:69-75
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.” 73 After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.” 74 Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.

Peter was willing to follow Christ with determination, courage, and faithfulness. He was bold and self-dependent. He followed Christ secretly from a distance, while the other disciples despaired and fled. Perhaps he hoped that Christ would triumph at the last moment, supported by millions of angels, and that he would partake of this triumph and become the head of ministers in His new kingdom.

For many people, bad company is an occasion of sin. Those who needlessly expose themselves to this environment walk on the devil’s ground. When they venture into his crowds, they may expect to be tempted and ensnared, as Peter was.

Peter stumbled before the interrogation of an unimportant servant girl who recognized him in the courtyard of the high priest’s hall. She testified publicly that he was a follower of Jesus and suspected that he might have come to save Him. Peter played a fool and denied his Master, saying to the woman, “I know nothing of what you are saying.” The prophesy of Peter’s denial was being fulfilled.

Her question had frightened him because he realized that he was in danger of being arrested. Yet, he pretended calmness and indifference. After a while, he got up and went to the entrance of the courtyard. The devil followed him and sent another woman to him who had been watching him, but he lied again and swore that he had never seen Christ before. He fell from one lie into another. He did not deny himself, nor was he ready to die for Christ.

The men and soldiers standing around the fire turned to Peter as he was swearing and defending himself. They surrounded him and said that the way he spoke proved that he was a Galilean and most likely a follower of the accused. Peter cursed himself and swore by God that he had nothing to do with Christ, that he had never seen Him or known Him.

Christ used a rooster to bring Peter to himself. The rooster crowed and reminded him of Christ’s prediction. At that moment, he recognized his cowardice, wickedness, weakness, and worthiness of destruction. He became broken and wept bitterly. Here Peter died to his pride, and his trust of himself was completely broken.

Has the rooster crowed for your pride and your trust in yourself? Do you have the courage to say that Christ is the Son of the living God, in spite of the unbelievers around you?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, Forgive us for trusting in ourselves. Create in us the trust of God alone so that we can abide in Your truth faithfully even at the hour of temptation. Teach us to keep away from every lie, including little white lies, and to confess that You are the Son of God and not to deny You by our silence.

QUESTION:

251. Why did Peter deny his Lord three times?

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