Peter Denies Christ

Peter Denies Christ

Q: Jesus told Peter he would deny Jesus

• a. twice before the sun went down.
• b. once within the hour.
• c. three times before the rooster crowed.

Jesus and his disciples had a last meal together the week that Jesus died. During this meal, Judas left to betray Jesus, just as Jesus knew would happen. Jesus told his disciples he would be with them only a little longer. He knew it was near the time for him to die.

Peter asked Jesus where he was going, and Jesus told him, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”

Peter said, “But why can’t I come now, Lord? I’m ready to die for you.”

Jesus said, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

Peter had good intentions, and he wanted to be brave for Jesus. Peter thought he’d courageously face death with Jesus, but Jesus knew Peter would deny him instead. And what Jesus said came true. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. When the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus’ words and was sorry he’d said he didn’t know Jesus.

Peter wasn’t the only one who failed Jesus. When Judas brought a group of men with swords to arrest Jesus, everyone who was with Jesus fled. This didn’t change Jesus’ love for them. He forgave them, and he still had work for them to do.

Our failures don’t change God’s plans or his love for us.

For You

There are many ways to deny Jesus without saying a word. Are there times you deny Jesus by failing to speak up for what you believe or take a stand against wrong? How can you fix that?

Answer: c

“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” [Peter] asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”   John 13:37-38

(The Whole Story: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62; John 13:31-38)