John 18:25-27 25Now when Simon Peter was standing and warming himself, they then said to him, “Are you also are not one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” 26One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27Then Peter again denied it, and immediately, a rooster crowed.
John’s account of Peter’s denial is brief and to the point. John uses the full name Simon Peter, which brings the readers’ attention to the gravity of what takes place next. Peter’s response stands in sharp contrast to what Jesus just experienced. Jesus did not back down but spoke the truth, whereas Peter is in full denial and only gets deeper in the following verses. Jesus denied nothing, but Peter denied all.
The scene is simple and concise with Peter standing around the fire with the soldiers, apparently the same ones who had arrested Jesus. Even though it was dark, the soldiers saw enough of Peter to recognize him as a disciple. These soldiers ask exactly the same question as the servant girl in verse 17. Peter answers with the same simple two words in the Greek. The wording may not be accidental because it highlights that Peter had a second chance but blew it.
Peter had one opportunity when another servant approached him. John adds the interesting note that this was a relative of Malchus, the very man whose ear Peter had cut off. No doubt, word has spread quickly about this miracle. This man was an eyewitness to the event in the garden. John does not indicate how this many recognized Jesus, but possible the fire illuminated Peter enough to be recognized. John notes simply that Peter denied his identity a third time. John leaves out Peter’s swearing and tears mentioned in Mark 14:71-72. Peter’s denial was sealed with the crowing of a rooster.
Peter found himself at a low point. We can only imagine what led to this, the pressures, fears, and uncertainties. His impulsiveness got the better of him when he spoke without deep thought and conviction. He felt more shame from lowly servants than he did before his Lord and God. We might feel strong in ourselves, but it might not take much pressure to tempt us to compromise unless we see the abiding presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Peter would become a different person after he received Jesus’ loving forgiveness and the Spirit’s empowering presence.
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