Peter’s Denial of Jesus

Text: John 18:15-18, 25-27

Reflection and Question: Every Gospel writer includes this story of Peter denying Jesus three times on the night He was betrayed (Mt 26:57-75, Mk 14:53-72, Lk 22:54-71). And yet he is the disciple upon whom Jesus will build His church. He is the disciple who promised to follow Jesus no matter where. Peter stands in for every one of us in his weakness as well as in his potential for great service. He is no better than any of us and yet upon him the mission of the church can be built. When we see ourselves in Peter, the humility from which our life’s mission can grow is born. In what way are you like Peter?

Prayer: Savior Jesus, when the cock crows for the third time, our hearts fail with Peter because our denials of You join his in sorrow and disappointment. Forgive us as You did Him. And use us, as You did Peter, to serve You with love in this world. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).