Day: January 7, 2024

Sunday, January 7, 2024

“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew” (Luke 22:59,60 KJV).

How was Peter the Apostle being preposterous?

Peter followed the Lord Jesus Christ for the entire three years of His earthly ministry. The Lord Himself had trained him in all that which pertains to God’s purpose and plan for the nation Israel and the Earth. Peter heard Christ’s sermons, saw His miracles, walked with Him, ate with Him, talked with Him. Now, in the context of today’s Scripture, that Christ has been arrested and is on trial—facing the death penalty, with no chance of escape. “And Peter followed afar off” (verse 54). Peter has come along in the crowd to see what will ultimately happen to his Lord, though he keeps his distance lest he be noticed and also be persecuted.

On three occasions, Peter figuratively puts distance between himself and the Lord Jesus Christ. When identified as one of His disciples, Peter denies it (verses 56,57). Again, Peter is accused of being the Lord’s follower, but he argues it is not so (verse 58). For a third time, someone suggests Peter is connected to Jesus Christ, but the Apostle refutes the allegation (today’s Scripture). Verses 61,62: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”

We will recall that, earlier in the chapter, the Lord Jesus had foretold: “[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. [33] And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. [34] And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” What Christ predicted indeed came to pass….