Our Text …
25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. 26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. 28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
The Text again contrasts Peter and Jesus! One weak as water, the Other Strong and Resolute!
Peter denied our Lord standing by a warm fire. The three Hebrew young men stood true when confronted with such a fire! (Daniel 3) The Apostle Paul had a “fire” experience as well. (Acts 28) A snake was associated with Paul’s fire, but he shook it off and continued serving the Lord! A snake came out of Peter’s fire … and bit him! A wound he may have never fully overcome.
John’s Gospel does NOT tell us a couple of things about Peter’s denial … things the Synoptics add.
One, Jesus’ look …
Luke 22:59-61 … And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned (strepho), and looked upon (emblepo) Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Secondly, Peter’s tears …
Matthew 26:75 … And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept (kla’io) bitterly (pikros).
John, one writer notes, just leaves us with the “echo” of the rooster resounding in our ears!
This too … I wonder what the Roman Catholics do with Peter’s blunder (blunders, really) here? They (wrongly) believe him to be their first (infallible) Pope!
The Jewish leadership wanted Jesus killed on a cruel Cross instead of merely stoned (the Jewish method of execution) because of the extra contempt associated with being hung to death, nailed, on a tree! They are trying to prevent any resurgence of this Jesus Person! (That plan didn’t work!) These Jews well know Deuteronomy 21:23 … He that is hanged is accursed of God.
Listen to Peter brag, shortly before he denied …
Mark 14:29-31 … But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
Here’s a better idea yet … watch the class.
—Dr. Mike Bagwell
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