Mark 14:67-7267And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. 68But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 69And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. 70And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. 71But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 72And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. (Mark 14:67‑72)
PETER, who considered himself so strong, fails first before the accusing voice of a maiden. It is not a spear-bearing soldier threatening his life who approaches to question him, but a maid who said: “And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.” What an opportunity for this disciple to respond: “Yes, indeed I was with Him and will remain with Him to the end.” But no, such a reply does not come forth, but rather: “I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest.”
Perhaps ashamed of his own falsehood, he goes out on the porch and then the morning hour is broken by the first crowing of the cock. Now Peter, does not this awaken a memory of the Lord’s words so recently spoken to you? Will you not now return and correct that false statement? No, it is not to be so. Peter, so full of fear of his own safety, does not respond to the rooster’s cry. There was One inside who heard it, we may be sure. His heart must have gone out to the need of this poor failing disciple. But Peter had a much needed lesson to learn and his conscience will only be reached after further failure comes to light. Now, as he remains on the porch, another maid sees him. “This is one of them,” she says to those standing by. Peter again denies it.
He was not questioned again for about an hour’s time when, his confidence being stronger by the lapse of time, he returned to the fire and the company of the servants with whom he enters into conversation. And then one says: “Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.” v. 70. We tremble to think of the low state of this one who had been so near his Lord, now resorting to cursing and swearing as he repeats: “I know not this Man of whom ye speak.” And then the second crowing of the cock breaks through the still morning air! We read in Luke’s Goel that the Lord turned and looked upon Peter at this moment. Well indeed might Peter weep bitterly. He had proved more fully than ever bore the worthlessness of his self-confidence and how untrustworthy he was in himself. Tears flowed unrestrained as he realized his tragic failure.
Perhaps in this sad story we will be reminded that we are no better than Peter ourselves and can never perform one act of boldness or faithfulness in our own strength. May we who love the name of the Lord Jesus go in His strength, relying on His promise: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:99And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
No doubt fewer tears would be shed and less sorrow of heart experienced by the Lord’s people if the lesson of Peter’s sad experience were more deeply felt by all. The Lord loves to have us empty ourselves and lean in full dependence on Him in whose strength we can go safely along the way. Then we need not fear what man may do unto us and can rejoice in testifying to our Saviour’s name, in whatever degree He may call us to do so.
ML-05/10/1964