Confrontations

Sitting in the courtyard near where Jesus was being tried, Peter faced three confrontations. A servant girl recognized him and accused him of being “with Jesus the Nazarene.” He reacted decisively: “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” Seeking to avoid a further conversation, “he went out onto the porch.” But the servant girl made more accusations. Again, Peter denied her charge (vs. 66-70).

Then, “bystanders” claimed that he must have been a follower of Jesus. This time, Peter reacted with a “curse.” The Greek word shows the strength of his denial. He also swore that he did not know Jesus (vs. 70-71).

Peter knew that what he was saying was not true. He defended himself in the strongest terms, hoping that the emotion of his denial would convince his accusers that he was telling the truth. But his emotional response did not work.

When he heard a rooster crow a second time, he remembered what Jesus had told him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times” (v. 30). Realizing that he had denied his Lord, Peter felt horrible and “began to weep” (v. 72).

Jesus had many opportunities to defend Himself from attacks by “the chief priests and the whole Council” (v. 55). But He kept silent because He trusted in His Father.

Don’t give in to fear or compromise your convictions. Don’t be intimidated by others. Stand strong. Be bold. Trust in God.