“Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly."

Luke 22:60-62

The story of Peter’s denial is carefully crafted in Luke’s gospel. This narrative is placed before Jesus’ interrogation by the religious leaders and Pilate (22:63–23:4). It highlights Peter’s cowardly denial of being Jesus’ disciple, in contrast to Jesus’ bold response in affirming his messianic identity. Jesus’ response, set in the context of his trials, demonstrates the cost of courage, while Peter’s denial illustrates the emptiness of his earlier boasting (vv. 33, 34). Jesus confronted his interrogators by denying nothing, but Peter faltered, denying everything.

Peter probably did not realize he had denied his Master three times—at least not until he heard the rooster crow. This was a defining moment for him. He suddenly realized that he had done what he should not have. Peter had followed Jesus, trying to prove his loyalty, but he caved in when questioned about his identity.

How many of us have done something that we knew we should never do, or justified ourselves in doing those things we know are contrary to God’s holy Scriptures, moral values, character, and integrity? Remember, we can also be like Peter as we are drawn step by step into a deeper compromise of our faith until we deny our Lord. We could give in to the weakness of our flesh or surrender to temptation. In times like this, we need to hear the rooster crow. We need those defining moments in our lives to remind us how far we have fallen from our walk with the Lord and how we need to renew ourselves once again in our service for God. We should remember that Peter’s denials and failures were not permanent. He was soon to be restored and recommissioned by the Lord (Jn 21:15-19). The most important thing is this: do we hear the rooster crow?

CLOSING PRAYER

Precious Savior, thank you that when I fail in my walk with you, you lovingly convict me and willingly forgive me when I repent. The Lord who graciously restored King David and restored Peter will also restore us as we sincerely repent and turn to the Lord. Amen (Edited from Encounter with God)