Reality Check

Reality Check

Mark 14:66-72, NLT

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. 69When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” 71Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

Setting the Scene

When Peter heard the rooster crow the second time and saw Jesus look at him, the realization of what he had done hit him full force. Peter had promised never to deny Jesus (Mark 14:31), but Jesus had predicted that Peter would, in fact, deny him three times that very night.

Peter “broke down and wept,” not only because he hadn’t kept his pledge, but also because he had turned his back on his Lord and his dear friend. Unable to stand by Jesus for even twelve hours, he felt like an utter failure.

Luke notes that Peter wept “bitterly” and left the courtyard (Luke 22:62). We can imagine him stumbling out and away, overcome by remorse for his failure mixed with grief for what was happening to Jesus. Proud and confident Peter had hit bottom; he had come to the end of himself. Peter’s tears were of deep sorrow and repentance but not despair (which would consume Judas). Later, Peter would reaffirm his love for Jesus, and Jesus would forgive him (see Mark 16:7; John 21:15-19). Peter would be restored to fellowship and ministry and eventually become a fearless evangelist and powerful leader of the church.

Getting Personal

When confronted with a mistake or wrongdoing, how do you typically respond?

When recently have you experienced “godly sorrow”?

In what ways has God’s acceptance and forgiveness affected how you live?

Many people feel bad when confronted with their sinful attitudes and actions. They may even express regret and apologize to an offended party. Often, however, they are simply sorry that they got caught. Others may be so distraught that their sorrow leads them to depression, despair, and even suicide—like Judas.

Peter experienced the redemptive sorrow that Paul later described: “The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. . . . But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death” (2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT). Christ always stands ready to forgive, but he wants us to admit, confess, and repent (1 John 1:8-9).

Talking to God

Truthfully analyze your own remorse and repentance before the Lord. Ask him to help you turn away from sin and turn toward a life of deeper submission to his commands and calling.