Luke 22:54-62

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

(verses 60-62)

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This is one of the most poignant, heart-breaking scenes in the Gospels. The words are barely out of Peter’s mouth when the rooster crows, awakening a memory. Then the Lord himself looks straight into Peter’s eyes – what pain. Then the fog clears, the words crystallize, and the memory takes clearly defined shape: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

No wonder he wept bitterly.

What of those first two denials? Back then, earlier that evening, he was in the deceptive fog of temptation, the reality of his words unable to touch his heart. Not till the third time, when his senses were hit by the ragged crowing of that rooster and the piercing conviction of his Master’s eyes, did he find himself wrenched free into the reality of the moment. But it was too late. Nothing could be undone.

Have you been there? I have. The pain of failure, the oppressive intensity of remorse, and the piercing conviction of sin. And the knowledge that past moments cannot be unravelled.

Yet, even in Peter’s story, right where he stood, right at that instant, there is an echo behind the scenes that rings with hope. For before the Lord ever spoke those remembered words, he had spoken others also.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).

I wonder if Peter remembered. Perhaps not then. Yet later, these would be words to heal the wounds of shame. For us, reading the narrative, knowing where the story is going, the words stand out. For the Lord has spoken love and commitment over this servant who will fail miserably before the night is out. And not just words, but prayer. A prayer for sustenance in the midst of failure and for ongoing usefulness (“strengthen your brothers”) when weakness is so pronounced.

Interwoven with it all is a word that is repeated. A word intimately personal to Peter. A word spoken by the Lord three times over. I hear it ringing tenderly, filled with faithful commitment, loving knowledge and deep compassion.

“Simon, Simon … Simon …”

Perhaps one pronunciation for each denial? Or one for each nail that held the Master to the cross. Perhaps. Yet each filled with the love of a Saviour whose sacrifice would redeem the failure.

For Peter. For Simon. For me.

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Lord Jesus, thank you that our weakness and failings do not surprise you. Indeed, they are why you came.

Thank you for the conviction of your eyes that brought Peter back to reality. Thank you for the tenderness of your prayer and promise which revived him. Thank you for the sacrifice of the cross that secured it for eternity.

Thank you that all of this reaches me. Thank you.

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Reflect:

Listen for the Lord speaking your own name. Listen for it three times over. What message would he speak to you this day?

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