Peter Says He Does Not Know Jesus

After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance. He entered the courtyard where people were waiting near a fire.

The fire crackled in the courtyard.

A servant girl looked at Peter and said that he had been with Jesus. Peter denied it.

Later another person recognized him. Again Peter said he was not one of Jesus' followers.

After more time had passed, someone else insisted that Peter had been with him. Peter denied knowing Jesus a third time.

Then a rooster crowed.

Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered that Jesus had warned him this would happen before the rooster crowed.

He had thought he was stronger than everyone else. Now he saw how fear had led him to say something untrue.

Peter went outside and cried bitterly. He was deeply sorry.

His mistake was serious, but it was not the end of his story. Jesus still loved him and would later give him a new chance to serve.

We may make a promise and then fail to keep it. We can admit the truth, ask forgiveness, and seek help to change.

Jesus' love gives us hope to begin again.