Matthew 26:75 (NKJV)
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
There are many key events to remember on Maundy Thursday. This was a very emotional day. Some of these events include: Jesus instructing Peter and John to prepare the guest room for the Passover (Luke 22:7-13), The Last Supper (Mark 14:22-26), the Betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18-30), and Jesus’ prayer and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-56). Any of these topics are worthy of a sermon or perhaps a book. This writing will focus on none of these events, but will give attention to Peter.
Jesus predicted His own death earlier in the story (Matt. 26:31-32). Jesus told Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times (Matt. 26:34, NKJV). Peter, a disciple who has been with Jesus from the very beginning of His ministry, boldly proclaimed, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matt. 26:35, NKJV). These words of Jesus would come true and Peter would indeed deny the Lord three times.
Before we chastise Peter with thoughts or comments that proclaim, “I would never deny the Lord”, we need to examine our own lives. “Lord, I promise I will never visit a pornography website again!” “Jesus, I promise never again to gossip or slander!” “Dear God, I swear I will never gamble or drink again the rest of my life!” These are just three statements of an endless array of possible promises people make, and often break, to God. I really believe that intentions from most people are genuine, but I know through personal experience that the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41, Gal. 5:17) and sometimes bold, sincere promises to the Lord are unfortunately broken.
Peter was extremely genuine when he said he would never deny the Lord. So often it is said that we never really know what we would say or do until we are placed in a situation. In Peter’s case, no truer words were ever spoken. Poor Peter. I feel sorry for him every time I read this passage. He loved Jesus so very much. He was in anguish as a result of his own actions. Imagine the pain and conviction he suffered when Jesus turned and looked at him (Luke 22:61). Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. He said so. Jesus knew He would rise from the dead. Jesus knew Peter would be restored (John 21). However, Peter had no idea these things would actually happen. On this night, and for approximately 40 long days, Peter would have to live with the fact that the last thing he ever did, as it relates to Jesus, was deny Him.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
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