Denial

Mark 14:66-72 ⁶⁶While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, ⁶⁷and seeing Peter warming himself, looking at him she said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” ⁶⁸But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out to the gateway [and a rooster crowed]. ⁶⁹And when the servant girl saw him, she began again to say to those standing around, “This man is one of them!” ⁷⁰But again he denied it. And after a little while those standing around were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are also a Galilean.” ⁷¹But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” ⁷²And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered the word how Jesus had spoken to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep.

While Jesus was being interrogated, Peter was outside in the courtyard warming himself by the fire with the guards, pretending to be an innocent bystander. How he even got into the courtyard is unclear, or if it even mattered to the guards. It was late at night, and everyone was tired. Peter was brave enough to follow the crowd and Jesus to the high priest’s compound. He had made a public oath that he would not deny Jesus but go with him to death (verse 31). Now was the time this statement would be tested.

This trial was a  big event in household. With all the religious leaders of the people present, everyone was on duty. A servant saw Peter and recognized him. Often the people in the background, like this servant girl, notice things in the background that others might miss. Where she saw Peter with Jesus is not clear; perhaps in the temple courts or in passing. We can hope that she found Jesus’ teaching attractive and paid close attention, while also noticing the disciples who gathered around him. Peter’s denial is quite emphatic with two almost synonymous words know (oida), often used for knowing something in theory, and understand (epistamai), used for knowing how to do something. Peter’s denial was complete. He needed to clear out fast for the growing shame he was experiencing. There is an uncertain textual variant with many manuscripts including a reference that the rooster crowed at that moment. The phrase could have been added later, but the manuscript evidence is strong to include it.

The servant girl must have followed Peter, a bit of a nuisance to him. Now she involved those standing around. The social pressure was mounting on Peter, but also the hole was getting deeper. The servant was sure she had seen Peter with Jesus. She was observant and missed nothing; that was her job and she did it well. She may also have been attracted to Jesus with the good news and hope he proclaimed. Peter’s second denial is simply described, for he already used strong terms. He was in a trap. He wanted to find out what was happening to Jesus. He had given his word before the other disciples that he would not deny Jesus. But now, he was in the midst of other people, no longer in safe territory. The social pressure was much greater. But the group around him was likely a bunch of tired soldiers and frazzled servants who had been working to meet the needs of the Sanhedrin.

Peter could not escape the questions and comments, but it seems the word had spread among those gathered and they had followed him to the front of the house complex. They noticed his mannerisms and speech and determined he was a Galilean. The regional differences were clear to them. Of what was Peter afraid in this situation? Was he afraid of also being arrested or just the shame of association? He was all big topic when safe and with other disciples, but when the pressure came, he caved to the power of shame. His third denial was even more emphatic with the doubled words curse and swear. His profanity is punctuated by his complete disavowal of knowing this man. He cannot even say the name of Jesus. With each denial, his heart became more hardened and sin more controlling.

Sometimes we have to be shocked from our complacency and sin. The Holy Spirit brings conviction through people and events, calling us to repentance and faith. We must not reject this conviction, lest we end up like Peter. As the rooster crowed a second time, he remembered what Jesus had said to him. How could he forget something so crucial and significant? Fatigue and peer pressure keep many people from speaking the truth of Jesus. The weight of what Peter had done came crashing down on him, and he wept bitterly. He knew what he had done.

We are too much like Peter. We are brave when in church with other believers, but full of fear of shame when away and with unbelievers. Peter failed to prepare himself for his trial by praying in the garden, while Jesus prayed through and faced his trial with courage and conviction. John records that the story with Peter was not finished, but Jesus forgave and restored him (John 21:15-19). It is never too late for those who weep before God and seek his forgiveness.

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