Mark 14:66-72

Peter Denies Knowing Jesus

67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.

68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.

69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them."

70 Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him:

"Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Peter Denies Knowing Christ

There are several ways to look at this passage from the Easter story but I feel one of the strongest points is made by Peter's denial. He not only denied Jesus - but denied Him with a curse. According to many scholars this was more of an oath saying that God should strike him dead if he was lying.

Who committed the worse sin during passion week?

Sin is sometimes so subtle that we can miss it if we are not careful. So who's was the greatest - and the most hurtful?

• Was it the Jewish leaders and high priests?
• The Romans?
• The disciples?

Desertion

Let's take a look at the disciple called Peter. He is thought of as one of the strongest disciples in the New Testament rich in faith yet he denied Jesus three times!

Peter's sin added to Christ's suffering by deserting him when support was needed the most. The pain Jesus felt with the questioning and the beatings was multiplied by His disciples, His friends leaving Him alone to take the full punishment - all the way to death on the cross.

But Wait! Before You Condemn Peter ..

Yes, Peter sinned by denying Jesus at the very worst time but, what would we do if we found ourselves in the same situation? Would we step up and die with Him. I can't answer that question and I have a suspicion that you would have some trouble with it too! I am not condoning what Peter did - just trying to put it all in perspective.

"Big" and "Little" Sins

It's true, and Scripture tells us Peter committed a "big" sin - no doubt about it. But, have we ever done the same thing? We can point at Peter and say; "At least I've never done anything as great as he on that fateful night." but what about what we have done?

We sometimes deny Christ by pointing at those who have committed a "big" sin such as murder or burglary but let's continue to examine our own lives before judging others. there is no such thing as big and little - there is only sin. We are no better, or worse than other Christians. This is the reason we need Jesus to be our redeemer.

Don't say; "Look there!" just so no one will "Look here!". 

Love in Christ

- Bob

Mark 14:27-31 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial