Tuesday, November 15, 2022

November 15 = Life of Christ #227 (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54:65; John 18:25-27) Peter Denies Knowing Jesus

Peter Denies the Third Time
Matthew 26:73, 74a
Mark 14:70b, 71
Luke 22:59, 60a
John 18:26, 27

Peter Weeps
Matthew 26:74b 75
Mark 14:72
Luke 22:60b-62

Peter Denies Jesus

Matthew 26:58, 69–75; Mark 14:54, 66–72; Luke 22:54–62; John 18:15–18, 25–27

Jn 18:15–17aMeanwhile Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. 16But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17aThen the slave-girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”

Mt 26:70But he denied it in front of everyone: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Jn 18:18, 25aNow the slaves and the temple police had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. 25aNow Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of His disciples too, are you?” Mk 14:66b–67bOne of the high priest’s servants … 67bsaid, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus.” Jn 18:25bHe denied it and said, “I [was] not!”

Mk 14:70bAfter a little while those standing there said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, since you’re a Galilean also!” Jn 18:26One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” Mt 26:71When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!”

Mk 14:71Then he [Peter] started to curse and to swear with an oath, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about [Lk 22:60bMan, I don’t know what you’re talking about]!” Lk 22:60b–62Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed [Mk 14:72aa rooster crowed a second time]. 61Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today [Mk 14:72bBefore the rooster crows twice], you will deny Me three times.” 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.[1]


[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 227). Holman Bible Publishers.


When have you felt like crawling into a hole, never to return: When you gave up the winning run in a baseball game? Hit the wrong note in your orchestra solo? Other?




  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • How would you describe Peter's personality? 
  • Why did Peter deny being Jesus’ disciple?
  • Given Luke 22:33, what accounts for Peter's actions now? What questions must he have had about himself? 
  • Why did Peter and Judas come to such different ends or did Peter do something less serious than Judas? Explain.
  • How does Peter fall short of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12:4-12?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • When have you felt like Peter? What "rooster" reminds you of failure? What helps you work through guilt?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.






    The irony of these events is that Jesus' enemies are right in their accusation — he is the Messiah, the Son of God. They are also wrong — they won't believe in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, but instead are intent on killing him. They are the vivid reminder that we can say the right things and yet refuse to believe them. We can say the right things, but say them in ridicule and be guilty of sin. The battle we face is an issue of our hearts. Are we seeking God's will, or are we protecting our religious interests? Let's continually seek to have our hearts open for God's truth and God's will.



    Father, as I seek truth, help me seek you and your will first. I know that I cannot authentically live in obedience to your truth without seeking to honor you. Purify my heart and create a right spirit in me. In Jesus' name. Amen.


    More Resources:
    Mark 14:66-73: Trial #2 (Peter’s Trial)
    http://johnmarkhicks.com/2012/07/18/mark-1466-73-trial-2-peters-trial/




    No comments: