“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 14:72)
This was a dark moment in the life of one of the most popular disciple. Peter was always the first to burst forth with bold statements of commitment and action. When Jesus was walking on the water he was the only one to jump out of the boat. He was the one who answered Jesus’ question about who He was by giving the famous of all professions, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. He was also the one who had proclaimed that he would follow Jesus to the death. It was after that statement that Jesus told him that Peter would deny Him three times. In today’s Scripture this has come true. Peter was questioned three times about his association with Jesus and each was followed with a denial.
What can we gather from this event in Peter’s life? Is there something we should learn from his infamous failure?
First, let us not be quick to question Peter’s love and commitment to Jesus. I don’t think Peter was putting on a show when he expressed his allegiance to his Lord. I believe he was the genuine article. I think he meant what he said when he said it. I also believe that he loved Jesus more than life itself. In fact, this is what makes his denial more personal to all of us. Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you will never let them down. Friends, we are weak and imperfect people. We often make mistakes and, sometimes, we hurt the very ones we love. We know that is true and…so does Jesus.
Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. Jesus was giving Peter a reality check earlier. A simple reminder that we are not perfect and that sometimes the best intentions fall by the wayside and we find ourselves in a sea of “denial”. Jesus already knows that about you. He knows that you love Him and He knows that you desire to be everything you were meant to be. However, He also knows that you and I are a work in progress. He knows our struggles and our failures and He loves us anyway. Peter had not stopped loving Jesus and Jesus had not stopped loving Peter. This is confirmed by the tears of repentance mentioned above. Peter knew he messed up. Peter knew that Jesus knew. Peter’s tears were over his sin and, I would guess, over the realization of the deep love that Jesus had for him.
Today, you may make some mistakes. You probably will. Jesus knows and loves you anyway. What matters to Him is that you love Him. Peter may have “caved” in like a paper cup but no one should question his love for Jesus. That is what matters. Do you love Him?
Blessings.