Although the Twelve Disciples don’t fully understand or accept it, Jesus knows things are getting real. At what has come to be called The Last Supper, we’ve already seen that Jesus predicts Judas’ betrayal of him.
But he also makes another prediction: Peter’s Denial.
Mark 14:27 – 31 reads, “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, … But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today – yes tonight – before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Oh, Peter is so sure, so emphatic. He’s spent three years of his life following Jesus, being exposed to amazing and dangerous and miraculous things! He’s been named by Jesus to be the Rock which His church will be built upon, and he learned a painful lesson about standing in the way of God’s plan for Jesus. Now, he’s proclaiming loyalty all the way till death, if needed.
But unfortunately, Jesus is right (of course he is) and Peter does deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows twice. In Mark 15:67, one of the servant girls of the high priest recognized him. Verse 68: But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
That same servant girl pointed him out to those standing around and this time he denied it in front of the onlookers. In verse 70: 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 he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
When Peter recalled Jesus’ prediction, he broke down and wept.
It’s not necessarily unbelievable that Peter denied having anything to do with Jesus when faced with the possibility of arrest and crucifixion himself. I mean, he is human, and therefore, wrought with weaknesses. But it sure is difficult to believe that at this stage of his ministry, having spent day in and day out with Jesus for three years, learning firsthand everything he was teaching, that Peter would do this, isn’t it?
The website, GotQuestions, addresses the reason behind Peter’s denial this way:
“A reason for Peter’s failure was fear. To his credit, although all the others had fled (Mark 14:50), Peter still followed Jesus after His arrest, but he kept his distance so as not to be identified with Him (Mark 14:54). There’s no question that fear gripped him. From the courtyard, he watched Jesus being falsely accused, beaten, and insulted. Peter was afraid Jesus would die, and he was fearful for his own life as well. The world hated Jesus, and Peter found that he was not prepared to face the ridicule and persecution that Jesus was suffering. Earlier, Jesus had warned His disciples as well as us today, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (Matthew 24:9). Peter quickly found he wasn’t nearly as bold and courageous as he had proclaimed, and in fear he denied the One who had loved him.”
I suppose it’s easy for us modern Bible readers to cast judgement on Peter in his weakness, but honestly, what would we have done in the same situation? Mark 14:50 tells us the remaining ten disciples, besides Judas, had fled the scene when Jesus was arrested, seeking safety from a distance! Peter was the Number One disciple, the leader of the team, and he at least accompanied Jesus after his arrest, even if he could simply keep an eye on him from a distance. His fear kept him from being loyal to his Teacher and in his panic, he declared that he didn’t know Jesus in order to not suffer the same fate.
But have no fear … the story circles around from something terrible to something wonderful. God’s perfect plan emphasizes that despite our own human weaknesses, failures, and sins, Jesus Christ is eager to forgive us and restore our relationship with him.
John 21: 15-19 brings Peter’s three-time denial around full circle. At this point, Jesus’ empty tomb has been discovered and he was presenting himself to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. Simon Peter was out fishing, with little luck with friends, and Jesus, standing on the shore, shouts out to them to put the nets on the other side of the boat. They did, and the catch was so huge they were unable to haul in the net.
Ring any bells? Yes! Because Jesus did this same exact miracle with Peter in Luke chapter 5 when he first recruited Peter (then named Simon) to be a disciple! The fact that Jesus did the same miracle with Peter after his death and resurrection, and especially with Peter feeling horrible that he’d betrayed his Lord, is a glimpse of the forgiveness that Jesus will offer, and the amazing role that Peter will move forward to play in Jesus’s expanding Church.
Can you imagine how ecstatic Peter is? Jesus is back, he’s performed a miracle for Peter, and maybe his mistake of betrayal isn’t the end of his close relationship with Jesus after all. Then Jesus uses a technique to drive the message home.
Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. Let’s read it in John:
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Peter's failure leads to forgiveness and a beautiful restoration! In Jack Zavada’s article, Peter Denies Knowing Jesus, we read: “This gentle exchange between Jesus and Peter showed that the apostle was forgiven and restored to his place of leadership. Three times Peter had denied the Lord. Now, three times he affirms his love for Jesus. Likewise, three times the Lord commissions Peter to care for the flock.
The Lord's command to Peter to take care of his sheep meant that Peter had been fully forgiven and restored. No matter what mistakes we make in the past, no matter how far we fall, Jesus wants to restore us to a place of trust.
After Peter's denial, the Lord lovingly forgave and restored him to a place of trust.
Do you feel like you've failed the Lord so miserably that there's no hope for you? Let Peter's story encourage you. No matter how far you’ve fallen, or how deep your shame, Jesus will forgive and restore you and give you a purpose in his service.”
This story fills my heart with hope and joy. I hope it does yours too. I encourage you to think about mistakes you’ve made in your life that might be holding you back in your relationship with Jesus. You know he will forgive you and remove whatever barriers have formed between the two of you. Let’s pray now:
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us this story of you and Peter. Despite the mistakes he made, you forgave him and welcomed him back into your kingdom and the circle of your love. Please forgive us for all those times we’ve denied you or disappointed you or didn’t represent you in our own lives. Please help us to remember to feed and take care of your sheep. Amen.