HIGHLIGHT
Mark 14:72 (ESV): 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
EXPLAIN
Mark 14 is packed with stories of the final few days of Jesus, but the overall theme of all is the plot to kill Jesus. The chapter begins with the religious leaders trying to figure out how to get rid of him. Then we find the event that finally turned Judas Iscariot against Jesus – the anointing of Jesus at Simon the leper’s home. Judas then made his deal.
Next we find a brief accounting of the Passover and Jesus’ foretelling of Peter’s denial. The scene switches to the Garden of Gethsemane and the sleepy disciples. Jesus is betrayed and Peter feebly slices off a servant’s ear with his sword. The disciples scatter and Mark who was following escaped naked.
As Jesus was tried before the Council, Peter tried to stay close outside, but his fear for his life led him to worry more about his own skin. He vehemently denied Jesus three times. Then the rooster crowed and Peter realized what he had done.
APPLY
Peter’s tears express the sorrow of us all when we get so busy with life and worry for ourselves … and then suddenly find ourselves denying Christ by our words or deeds.
Peter denied Jesus by saying he did not know him. We may deny Jesus by ignoring his commands to love one another or by compromising biblical principles. We deny Jesus by failing to be faithful to his leadership of our lives.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, help me to remain faithful to Jesus in all I say and do. Help me to stay aware at all times of the enemy’s scheme, being in close communion with the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.