“Before the rooster crows ..“.
This is the haunting sentence Jesus said to His strongest disciple Peter.
And yes, Peter denied Christ three times on that fateful night.
This Bible study lesson from Mark continues with the Easter story. It tells how even the strongest Christian can fall when the time is right.
Peter denied Jesus three times. He knew it was wrong.
Although this lesson is about Peter, we must remember; the other disciples scattered when fear took hold also.
So, who committed the greatest sin?
- The religious leaders who condemned Christ?
- Or, the Romans who placed Jesus on the cross?
- The disciples who deserted their Savior and friend?
Peter Denies Knowing Jesus – Easter Story Continues…
“As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.”
But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.”
And he went out onto the porch. The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!”
But again he denied it.
And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.”
But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!”
Immediately a rooster crowed a second time.
And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
And he began to weep.” – Mark 14:66-72 NASB
Peter Denies Knowing Christ in Mark 14
There are several ways we can 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, the curse was more like 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, didn’t he?
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!
With that said, 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 sins we have committed?
We sometimes deny Christ by pointing at those who have committed a “big” sin such as murder or rape.
Yes, these are horrendous acts and deserve punishment.
However, we should examine our own lives before judging others.
According to the Bible, there is no such thing as big and little sin – there is only sin.
We are no better, or worse than other Christians. This is the reason we need Jesus to be our redeemer.
So, don’t say; “Look there!” just so no one will “Look here!“.
Love in Christ
– Bob
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