"Peter declared, 'Even if all fall away, I will not'...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."
(Mark 14:29,72)
The last supper Jesus would share with his disciples before his crucifixion is drawing to a close. Jesus tells his disciples that they will all forsake him...not exactly the way the disciples might have envisioned the evening coming to a close. Peter, as he often does, takes advantage of the moment to separate himself from the crowd, stating that he alone will stand with Jesus. Of course, we know that before that night would end, Peter would vehemently deny that he ever knew Jesus.
Have you ever been in that uncomfortable position where you promised more than you could deliver? Perhaps you had great intentions...perhaps the emotion of the moment emboldened you to over-commit yourself...perhaps you didn't want to let someone else down. Peter may have felt all of these things. I believe he was genuine when he said it, declaring his loyalty to the One he once proclaimed as Messiah. The issue wasn't his intention, but rather, his action.
The stories of Holy Week are the stories of the human condition...love, betrayal, courage, fear, pride, and humility. As so often happens in the stories of scripture, we find a common bond with these ancient characters, even though we might not want to admit it. Peter's promises to Jesus are met with a stark reality that will be played out all too quickly. His proclamations of courageous support will be lost in a trio of denials, punctuated by the piercing sound of a rooster's crow. Too often we have heard the sounds of betrayal that draw us back to the realization that we, like Peter, could not honor our promises made to Christ. Scripture tells us that Peter wept bitter tears when he heard the rooster crow. Sorrow and shame overcame his pride.
On this Monday of Holy Week, think about your words and actions...your promises and responses to Christ. Peter's bitter tears remind us that the pathway of repentance is littered with prideful things confessed, sorrow that must be expressed, and restoration that ultimately comes through the unmatched grace of God.
Prayer: Lord, may our boastful pride be overcome by your humble grace. In the name of the One who willingly paid the price for our sin, Jesus, the Christ, Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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