Matthew 26:33-35 33And answering, Peter said to him, “If they all fall away on account of you, I will never ever fall away.” 34Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, during this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
Simon must have been thinking about how strong he was as the “rock.” He was often the first to speak out his thoughts and to act in faith towards Jesus. After reading through Matthew, it should be no surprise that Peter voices his confidence that he would never scandalize and fall away from Jesus. He twice uses the keyword for fall down, sin, turn away, or reject (skandalizō). His assurance is emphasized with the construction never ever. He was pretty sure in himself. Though he did not know what was ahead, he at least had some faith. If those with the greatest faith will face severe temptations that can and sometimes do pull them away from Jesus.
Jesus responds with a strong and true statement that must have shocked Peter and anyone else listening in. Not only would Peter deny Jesus once, but three times. Peter will even know the exact moment with the crowing of the rooster. Roosters can crow just about any time at night but often begin around 3-4 am. This was going to be a long night for both Jesus and Peter. Would Peter prepare himself through prayer or would he rely on his own confidence and strength? This would be a significant test for him.
Peter responds with an even stronger statement of self-confidence. He was so loyal that he would even die with Jesus. It is easy to make promises when things are peaceful, but when the real trials come, promises can easily evaporate into nothing. The other disciples were listening in and joined in Peter’s affirmation. None of them would last the night but would flee when the pressure came. These same disciples were filled with confidence and bold faith after the day of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. They learned to let God’s strength flow through them rather than try to face their problems alone. We must pray for the strength to endure the ridicule and persecution we will face because of our faith and association with Jesus. We might look down on Peter for what he did, but we are too much like him.
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