Day 5: Peter’s Denial of Jesus
Luke 22:54-62 (NIV) “Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends. He had left behind his fishing business to follow Jesus and for three years had been by His side as His faithful companion. However, in the heat of the moment, Peter three times denied his association with Jesus, when Jesus needed him most. Here, in the courtyard of Caiaphas’ house, overwhelmed and troubled by all that was happening to his friend, Peter finally broke.
IN A NUTSHELL
‘You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee.’ Facing the High Priest Caiaphas, Jesus was accused of attacking Jerusalem’s temple, the heart of Jewish faith. Worse still, when Jesus claimed to be the Son of Man through whom God would judge the world at the end of time, the council agreed that this ‘deluded agitator’ needed to be silenced, once and for all.
Peter, meanwhile, had problems of his own. Not least because of his rural northern accent, the people in Caiaphas’ courtyard identified him as an associate of the Galilean who was on trial inside. Rather unconvincingly, Peter denied even knowing Him three times before the fateful night was over and the cockerel crowed.
Perhaps fear was not the only reason. Peter was losing faith in Jesus, who had ‘succumbed’ to His enemies without resistance. Matthew 26:75 shows the moment Peter’s heart plunged. The verything he had denied he would do; he did three times. Outside Caiaphas’s house, Jesus needed Peter the most and there he failed Him the worst. Only the resurrection of Jesus would set Peter back on course to being a rock of the church and a shepherd of the flock.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on Peter’s denial, I am reminded of how fragile human strength can be and how easily we break under pressure. Like Peter, I have often found myself failing to stand firm in my faith when faced with challenges or peer pressure. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have denied You through my actions or inaction. Strengthen me to be a faithful witness to Your love and grace, even in situations where it may be difficult to do so. During this time of fasting and prayer, strengthen my spirit and faith. Help me see my weaknesses and depend more on Your strength and guidance. Teach me to pray consistently, knowing that while my spirit is eager, my body is weak. Lord, help me have a heart that seeks forgiveness and reconciliation, like Peter received Your loving grace. Let me also offer that same forgiveness to others, recognising the importance of Your second chances. Thank you for Your mercy that forgives my mistakes and for Your love that renews my spirit. Help me to stand confidently as a true follower, even when facing challenges, knowing that You are with me, giving me strength. In the precious and Holy name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
APPLICATION
Take time to reflect on moments when you've faced pressure or fear that tested your faith. What were those situations, and how did you respond?
On the shore, (Read John 21), the risen Jesus ate fish with His friends and took time to restore Peter and reaffirm him as a disciple. He wants to do the same with you today. The one who knows us the best loves us the most.
Does guilt weigh heavy on you? Jesus went to the cross so you would experience that weight lifted. Your feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling you the truth. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8.1).
Challenge yourself this week to speak openly about your faith in at least one situation where you might usually hold back. It could be sharing a personal belief, a Bible verse, or offering to pray for someone.
Read on to find out more about Peter’s denial and restoration:
Showing courage – (John 18:1-14)
Moment of truth – (Matthew 26:31-35) A second chance – (John 21:15-29)