The Rooster Crowed
Peter joined John in the courtyard of the high priest. Jesus was in the palace being "convicted" in a kangaroo court. Peter was in no state of mind (or heart) to be this close to such danger but he had disregarded Jesus' words and put himself in a precarious situation.
This may seem far removed from our lives in 2016...but this is a lot closer to where we live than we may recognize on the surface.
Study Notes
- The Narrative
- Denial 1
When a servant girl asked Peter if he was with Jesus, Peter rather calmly replied that he didn’t have any idea what or who she was talking about. - Denial 2
Pointing to Peter another servant said to the bystanders, “This one was with Jesus of Nazareth.” With an oath, Peter denied any knowledge of the One they were speaking of. - Denial 3
About an hour later, a relative of Malchus observed Peter’s accent and was convinced of Peter’s association with Jesus. Peter began swearing and calling down curses on himself as he attempted again to disassociate himself from Jesus…
…and the rooster crowed.
- Denial 1
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Lessons from Peter's Failure
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Our vulnerability quotient should be monitored. There are times when we are much too weak and frail to be engaged in difficult
situations. We “cannot handle it” and should find safe haven to pray and re-gain a sense of perspective. -
Our impulsive actions often catch up to us; sometimes faster than we may think!
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Our decision to identify with Jesus is not easily hidden. We are the light of the world and a city on a hill on not easily hidden. As His followers we have an important role to play in His mission…hiding is not easy.
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Our despair is most acute when we do something we said we’d never do. This can be a real identity killer. Our failures can make us forget who we really are. Bitter weeping is a sign of repentance.
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Lessons from Jesus' Mercy
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He warns us. Sometimes He even intervenes with a “severe mercy” to help us see our path. God is very creative about this and yet we are often very dull.
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He gives us opportunity to escape…to remain faithful in times of trial and temptation. See 1 Corinthians 10:13.
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His “look” is full of mercy. What do you think is in God’s mind when He thinks of you? How do you imagine His countenance?
Consider Psalm 139, Matthew 5, Romans 8 and Ephesians 5:1. Take a look at Numbers 6:26. -
His way is our example. Paul outlined the Jesus way in Galatians 6:1-3. And, remember what Peter wrote later…”love covers a
multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7)
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Conclusion
Are you forgiven?
Are you forgiving?
Questions for small group, family or personal reflection
Discuss the progressive nature of Peter's denials. What can we learn from their trajectory?
Growth Tip
What do you think comes into God's mind when He thinks about you? Does it reflect the Biblical view? Journal about this or discuss it with a friend.