MPV Commentary

As Jesus is led away to be crucified, Peter and the other disciples are left to face their own fears and doubts. The high priest's servants take charge of Jesus, leading him away to be interrogated further.

Meanwhile, Peter follows at a distance, but when questioned by one of the maids about his association with Jesus, he denies any involvement. This is the first denial, and it's a stark contrast to Peter's earlier boasts that he would never deny Jesus (Matthew 26:33).

The maid's question is straightforward: "Are you not also one of this man's disciples?" But Peter's response is evasive: "I don't know what you're talking about." This denial is a clear indication that Peter is struggling with his own faith and loyalty to Jesus.

As the night wears on, Peter is confronted again by another maid who recognizes him as a Galilean. His speech betrays him, and he's identified as one of Jesus' followers. In desperation, Peter denies any connection to Jesus, even going so far as to take an oath that he doesn't know the man.

This second denial is even more vehement than the first, and it's clear that Peter is trying to distance himself from Jesus at all costs. But just a little while later, another servant recognizes him as one of Jesus' followers, and Peter denies him again - this time with an oath.

The third denial is the most egregious of all, and it's accompanied by a curse: "May I be accursed if what you're saying isn't true." This is a desperate attempt to convince himself and others that he's not involved with Jesus.

As the cock crows for the second time, Peter realizes that he's fulfilled Jesus' prophecy - he has denied his Lord three times. The weight of this realization is crushing, and Peter breaks down in bitter tears.

In this moment, Jesus turns and looks at Peter from across the courtyard. This look is a piercing rebuke, but it's also a reminder of Jesus' earlier words to Peter: "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." The look is a heart-piercing reminder of Peter's failure, but it's also a call to repentance.

As Peter weeps bitterly, he remembers Jesus' words about being sifted like wheat. He recalls the Saviour's prayer for him: "Simon, Simon, Satan has demanded to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I prayed for you, that your faith may not fail." This prayer is what makes Peter's repentance possible - it's a reminder of Jesus' love and concern for him.

In this moment, Peter's heart is broken, but it's also being restored. He's on the path to healing and redemption, and he'll eventually be given another chance to prove his loyalty to Jesus.