John 18:25. Jesus has been tied up, beaten & disrespected. It’s getting ugly as Peter and John are watching from a distance. They were not expecting this when they were enjoying the Passover dinner earlier that night.
While they were eating Jesus had told Peter that before the rooster crowed in the morning Peter would deny Jesus three times. Peter was adamant that he would die with Jesus if necessary, but he has already told one girl that he doesn’t know Jesus. And now things are getting even more threatening.
In vs 25 Peter is standing by the fire trying to stay warm and he’s asked again if he is one of this man’s disciples. Peter is getting more uncomfortable. These people don’t like Jesus. So once again he says “No, I’m not one of his followers.” But someone recognizes Peter. “You are one of them. I saw you with him!” Peter says “Absolutely not!” The people stop bothering him but immediately the rooster crows.
We can only imagine what Peter is feeling right now. Inside their comfortable, isolated bubble he was all-in for Jesus. But in the real world, facing opposition he backed down. He wants to stand for Christ but there’s a fear factor. The rooster reminds Peter that Jesus’ words were true. But Jesus also said Peter was going to be the rock upon which He would build His church.
I’m sure Peter is distraught right now. Probably disgusted with himself. But two things to learn here. Number 1 we shouldn’t fear man when we’re serving God. And number 2, God will forgive us when we make mistakes if our hearts are in the right place. We will see that God is going use Peter in spite of this setback.
