Peter’s betrayal of Jesus is different from that of Judas. If Judas’ betrayal appeared kindly (with a kiss), Peter’s reaction is anger – he wants it known he has nothing to do with this Jesus: ‘I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about’ (v 68). Fear of discovery and association are key here.

His third denial is different: ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about’ (v 71). Jesus had already told the disciples three times he was going to die (vs 68,70), but the Gospels lead us to suspect that the disciples didn’t really understand what Jesus was saying. So is the penny beginning to drop with Peter? Is he crying out here, ‘I don’t know this Jesus, give me back the Jesus I know and love – this isn’t him!’?

Does Peter’s breakdown come in the realisation that he has not followed Jesus to death as he promised (Mark 14:31), because maybe he doesn’t recognise this Jesus, the one who is going to die? Perhaps Peter is realising that he will never fully know Jesus until he himself dies and then discovers the full grace of God through the forgiveness and love of this Jesus.

Give thanks that Jesus remained faithful before all his accusers.

We are not surprised at the fulfilment of what Jesus had said to Peter, but the extent of his denial is still shocking. There is a progressive broadcasting of the denial: first to one servant girl, then to a group of people around the girl and finally to all the bystanders in the courtyard entrance. There is also a progression in the strength of his denials, from a profession of not understanding the question to a denial with oaths and curses. None of the other disciples are recorded as denying their knowledge of Jesus, but none of the others followed him into the courtyard of the high priest. Peter has put himself in the place of danger, without realising his own weakness. 

Many of us will never be placed in a position like Peter, when we verbally deny our belief in Jesus, but much more frequently there will be occasions when we could confess our relationship to him but we remain silent. Failure of confession is still denial. It is Peter who later tells us that we should always be ready with an answer to those who ask about the hope within us.¹ We may want always to be with people who share our beliefs and therefore not to have to engage in social situations where our faith might be challenged and we are called upon to witness. This is denial by omission.

The story ends with Peter’s remorse and conviction of his failure. He would go through the next three days conscious only of his sin. However, on resurrection morning there is the specific message for Peter to go with the other disciples to Galilee to meet the Lord. Before the end of this Gospel we will know that there is forgiveness even for deniers of Jesus. That is his grace.

Reflect upon times when you have failed to confess your faith in Jesus and seek forgiveness.

¹ 1 Pet 3:15