While Jesus was being accused by the religious leaders, Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest, secretly following Jesus to find out what would happen to Him. As Peter was warming himself, one of the high priest's servant girls recognized Peter and accused him of being a follower of Jesus, but Peter denied it, saying, "I don't know or understand what you're talking about." Peter then moved to the entryway, but the servant girl saw him standing there. She said, "This fellow is one of them." Peter again denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." Peter began to call down curses and swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:66-72).
Before Peter denied Jesus three times, Peter was convinced that he would never deny Jesus and would die with him. He said to Jesus, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you." (Mark 14:31). However, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed two times. Peter was very sincere in what He said to Jesus, but he didn't realize his weakness. When Peter saw how Jesus was arrested and mistreated by the religious leaders, he was gripped with fear together with the other disciples. According to Luke's account, Jesus was near enough that He could see Peter where he was standing that right after the rooster crowed, Jesus looked at him. (Luke 22:61). When Peter had eye contact with Jesus, he ran away and wept bitterly because of shame.
All of us, like Peter, made a terrible mistake. However, Jesus knows our weaknesses. Peter was guilty of denying Jesus three times, but it was not the end of Peter. Jesus would eventually restore Peter. We must remind ourselves that no matter what we have done in the past, there is always forgiveness in Jesus. All we need to do is to humble ourselves before Him and ask for forgiveness, and He will completely forgive us.
Ask yourself these questions: What sin did Peter commit? Did Jesus know that Peter would deny Him three times? What lesson can I learn from this story? Can God forgive my past sins?
Write down all the worries you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that forgiveness is always available from you. You have seen all my past mistakes, for nothing is hidden from you. You know all of my weaknesses, yet you still accept and love me. Please forgive me for all my sins and past mistakes. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercy. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.