"He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, 'I don’t know this man you’re talking about.' 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 14:71-72

Our downfalls are rarely instantaneous. Peter’s began earlier in the day. It started with brash self-confidence (v. 29), strongly asserted moments later (v. 31). The temptation of sleep (v. 37) is followed by the blind panic of flight (v. 50). An attempt to sneak into the fringe of the crowd results in identification and this night’s total denial. So much is promised but so little delivered. How deep the shame. How could he ever face Jesus again?

The person you want to be may not be the person you actually are. Paul put his finger on this fact of human nature (Ro 7:19), and if it’s true for him then it’s definitely true for me. Thankfully, forgiveness is to come for Peter, but that’s later in the story. Meanwhile, let’s honestly face up to who we really are.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you for showing me many of the times you offered forgiveness to sinners in the New Testament. Thank you for allowing me to see your heart that is filled with compassion and that overflows with grace and mercy, not just in Scripture, but today, for me (edited from Encounter with God).