5. Peter's Crisis and Denial (Luke 22; Mark 14)


Audio (40:58)

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Enrico Reffo, detail of St. Peter, 'Twelve Apostles' (1914), fresco, Chiesa di San Dalmazzo, Turin, Italy.
Enrico Reffo, detail of St. Peter, 'Twelve Apostles' (1914), fresco, Chiesa di San Dalmazzo, Turin, Italy. Full image.

Peter and the other disciples are present at the Last Supper. It is a dark time. The wine that represents his blood poured out. The bread that represents his body given for or on behalf of his own. We see these as wonderful gifts of salvation. But around the table that day there is a gloom and foreboding. Crisis is upon them.

5.1. Peter Seeks to Know Jesus' Betrayer (John 13:24)

Jesus feels it acutely.

"Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.'" (John 13:21)152

The disciples question one another. Is it I? Who can it be?

Here we get a brief glimpse of Peter. He wants to know who this is. John, the beloved disciple, seems to be reclining next to Jesus, with Judas on the other side of Jesus. Essentially, Peter is acting as a spokesman for the disciples, though he speaks only by a hand motion.

"Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking." (John 13:24)

I can almost imagine the body language Americans might use to convey this question -- tipping the head slightly to the side to indicate Jesus, and a gesture with the index finger to indicate asking. (I can do the hand motion, but can't describe it clearly.)

John responds by asking Jesus, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus replies that it is the one to whom he gives a morsel of bread153after dipping154it in the main dish and giving it to Judas.

John tells us that Satan entered him at that moment. Jesus warns of the punishment of betrayal:

"It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." (Matthew 26:24b = Mark 14:21b)

Now Jesus speaks cryptically to Judas.

"What you are going to do, do quickly." (John 13:27b)

Judas leaves the table immediately and goes out into the night. Following that, seems to be the Last Supper with the remaining disciples.

We learn from this passage about Peter something of his curiosity and propensity to action -- and little else.

5.2. Peter's Denial Predicted (Luke 22:31-34)

Location of the Garden of Gethsemane east of Jerusalem.
Location of the Garden of Gethsemane east of Jerusalem. Gethsemane is a garden near the Kidron Brook.

Peter's gesture to inquire about Jesus' betrayer is a minor incident. But where we see Peter next becomes a key event in Peter's story.

The disciples sing a hymn to conclude their Passover celebration and leave the upper room. They cross the city from the traditional site of the upper room (see map), pass through the temple courts, and exit the city through the Golden Gate on the east wall of the temple. They descend the steep path to the Kidron Brook, and then begin to ascend the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem as was Jesus' custom that week (Luke 22:39).

Jesus' conversation about his disciples being scattered and falling away seems to take place during this cross-town journey before they actually enter the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus' words trouble the disciples.

"27 You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." (Mark 14:27-28; cf. Matthew 26:31-32).155

Sifting as Wheat (Luke 22:31)

Luke's account includes a special word to Peter as leader of the disciples.

"31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 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)

It is a curious passage. Satan has turned Judas against his Lord. Now the enemy is focusing his hostility on the rest of Jesus' disciples so that he might wipe out this incipient messianic movement before it has a chance to take root. Jesus speaks to the disciples of a conversation with Satan.156

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you (plural) as wheat." (Luke 22:31, NIV)

Literally,

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you (plural), that he might sift you like wheat." (Luke 22:31, ESV)

This is a difficult verse to interpret. But let's look carefully at some of its elements.

"Simon" is Jesus' usual way of addressing Peter, but here his name is doubled to indicate Jesus' intensity.

In English, the pronoun "you" can indicate either singular or plural. But in Greek, singular or plural is clearly indicated. In this sentence, not just Peter, but all the apostles who are sharing the Last Supper with Jesus are the objects of Satan's wrath. Satan has demanded to have them all.

The word "sift" is siniazō, "to sift by shaking in a sieve."157As part of the refining process, after winnowing, grains of wheat that fall to the ground are now sifted in a large sieve to separate large pieces of foreign matter from the grain kernels. The ideas of shaking and separating the grain from rubbish are at the forefront of Jesus' words.158We see the same kind of shaking in a sieve in the Old Testament to indicate hard struggles.159 Our sieves are made of metal wire screen; in Bible days a sieve for this purpose was a coarse mesh, possibly made of string or reeds. Grain would fall to the ground, but stones, chaff, and other unwanted material would be retained in the sieve.160

Demanding

It says that Satan "asked" (NIV), "demanded to have" (ESV, NRSV), "desired to have" (KJV) this sifting, using the Greek verb exaiteō, "to ask for with emphasis and with implication of having a right to do so, 'ask for, demand' someone."161

How can Satan make any demands upon God? In Job we see Satan accusing Job of a shallow faith, and requesting permission from God to prove that Job will cave in to unbelief if life's circumstances turn against him (Job 1:6, 9-10).

We know from the New Testament that Satan is still an active foe of God's kingdom and people in the "Church Age."162Satan has tempted Jesus to compromise God's difficult way through the cross, if Jesus will only worship him, he will gain all power (as if it were his to grant). Jesus says, No.

But Satan has presumably fallen from heaven by this time (Luke 10:18). He has been thrown down with a third of his angels (Revelation 12:4, 9). He is bound, or soon to be bound (Revelation 20:2, 7). What right does he have to demand anything from God? Frankly, I don't know. I've heard various speculations, but we just aren't told.

We have to take Jesus' word for it that Satan has, or had, some ability to accuse and attack God's people. That awareness ought to humble us and make us very dependent upon Jesus our Savior.

Strengthen Your Brothers (Luke 22:32)

The shaking will come to all the disciples. But Jesus has a special role in mind for Peter, in keeping with his role as lead apostle.

"But I have prayed for you (singular), Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32)

Satan has demanded of the Father that the disciples be given to him for shaking. That seems to have been granted. But Jesus has prayed especially for Peter, that is, interceded for him before his Father's throne.163

Just like the other disciples, Peter's faith will be shaken, but Jesus' prayer is that Peter's faith will not fail, ekleipō, "fail, give out," here, "to cease as state or event, fail, die out."164 Yes, it will falter -- Peter denies Jesus -- but not for long. His faith is shaken but not extinguished. Jesus anticipates that Peter will "turn back,"165 and when he does, he will have an important role in strengthening166 his brothers -- and the whole early Christian movement.

Jesus tells Peter this so he will not utterly despair when he sins grievously in denying Jesus later in the evening. This hint of future ministry is filled out in John's Gospel with Jesus' conversation with Peter after his resurrection -- "Feed my sheep!" (John 21:17) -- which we'll consider in Lesson 6.4.

A Benediction about God's Strengthening (1 Peter 5:10)

Late in his life, Peter, the strengthener of the brethren, prays a wonderful benediction about God's strengthening, one I have used as a benediction many times during my pastoral ministry.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal167 glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,168 will himself restore you169 and make you strong, 170 firm171 and steadfast."172 (1 Peter 5:10)

No matter what circumstances or suffering, our God is able to strengthen us!

Peter's Bravado (Luke 22:33-34)

Jesus' statement to Peter about failing faith is met with bravado from the fisherman. Peter proclaims his readiness, his strength, his maturity.

"Lord, I am ready173 to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33)

"I will lay down my life for you." (John 13:37)

But Peter is scarcely ready. The other disciples echo Peter's claims (Matthew 26:35), so Peter feels he has to outdo them:

"Even if all fall away174 on account of you, I never will." (Matthew 26:33)

Boastful, arrogant Peter! He is trying, it seems, to convince Jesus that he loves him more than the other disciples -- words he will have to eat when Jesus restores him after the resurrection:

"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" (John 21:15)

Predicting Peter's Denial (Luke 22:34)

All four Gospels include Jesus' prediction that Peter will deny him three times.175 To Peter's boast that he will never fall away, Jesus rebukes him:

"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."176 (Luke 22:34)

The fledgling Christian movement hangs by a thread, but Jesus does not despair. He prays. He asks the Father that Peter's faith will not be extinguished, that his light will not blink out. He prays, trusts his Father to answer his prayer, and continues to instruct his disciples.

Judas's faith utterly falls apart. He has no hope left. Whatever faith he had has failed, extinguished. Suicide beckons. But Peter's faith, though shaken, recovers. Jesus has prayed for Peter.

Weakness and Strength

When Peter relies on his own bravado, his strength is an illusion. But in persecution, Peter learns to rely on God's forgiveness and God's strength. In his weakness, he finds strength. And then that strength becomes a vital source of strength to many others around him.

What are we disciples to learn from these few verses?

1. Realism. We can be very unrealistic about our own readiness, very full of bluff and bluster. If you are a discipler or mentor to younger Christians, you know they can be too reliant on their own experience, their own perception of strength. You know better. You are there to catch them when they fall and to strengthen them.

2. Immunity. We are not immune from shaking, tribulation, and temptation. Jesus faced Satan's onslaught and we must also -- each of us.

3. Prayer is the key. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus tells his disciples to pray as their protection against the trial to come (Luke 22:40, 46).

4. Intercession. Jesus is praying for us. He intercedes for us before the throne of God (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; see Isaiah 53:12b). He prays that our faith will not fail, that it will turn around, be healed, and become strong again.

5. Hope. Even though we fall to temptation, there can be repentance and restoration.

6. Faith in Christ is a very precious thing. It is our lifeline to the mighty salvation brought to us by Jesus.

7. Leaders. God uses key leaders to strengthen and establish churches and nations. I marvel at how God used St. Patrick to bring faith to a nation. How God used St. Francis to "repair his Church," and John Wesley to turn England back to God. There is a strategic element here. If you are a leader, Jesus is praying for you especially, because if you follow him in spite of your struggles and failings, you will strengthen dozens, hundreds of lives.

8. Strengthening our brothers and sisters is a key part of our mission. When we see people weak and struggling, we are to come alongside them and strengthen them with Christ's strength.

Q22. (Luke 22:31-34) Why does Jesus' rebuke Peter's bravado about never forsaking his Master? Why does Jesus warn the disciples about Satan's shaking? How does Jesus indicate Peter's future role in the church? What promise does verse 32 contain? Are there people around you who need strengthening after a shaking?

5.3. Sleeping in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)

The discussion of the disciples falling away takes place on the journey to the Mount of Olives. Now the band of men enters Gethsemane, an event mentioned by all four Gospels.

Gethsemane

The Brook Kidron runs along a shallow canyon on the east side of Jerusalem. Across that brook begins a mile-long ridge paralleling the eastern part of the city, a hill that rises about 150 feet (46 m.) higher than Jerusalem itself. Near the base of that hill is the traditional location of "a place called Gethsemane." The word means "olive press." John 18:1, 26 refers to it as an "olive grove" (ESV, NIV), "garden" (NRSV, KJV). The noun is kēpos, "garden, orchard,"177 probably enclosed by a wall or hedge.178

Jesus and his disciples cross the Kidron Brook, and immediately upon ascending the road on the other side, find the entrance to the garden of Gethsemane. It is a quiet, relatively private place Jesus frequently goes with his disciples179 -- and a place that Judas is well aware of.

Peter is mentioned by name twice in the events of this evening. First, a relatively minor incident where he and other disciples are asleep rather than watching while Jesus prays. A second is more significant, where he seeks to defend Jesus with a sword and cuts off a servant's ear.

Jesus Deep Distress (Mark 14:33-34)

Giulio Bargellini, Detail of 'Christ in Supplication' façade, mosaic frieze, Church of All Nations,  Jerusalem, on the site of the Garden of Gethsemane.
Giulio Bargellini, Detail of 'Christ in Supplication' facade, mosaic frieze, Church of All Nations, Jerusalem, on the site of the Garden of Gethsemane. Photo: Fr. Lawrence Lew. Larger image.

All three Synoptic Gospels record Jesus' agonizing prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane. For the most part we'll follow Mark's account.

Judas, of course, is missing from the group of disciples. But as they enter the garden, Jesus asks most of his disciples to sit.

"Sit here, while I go over there and pray." (Matthew 26:36)

He doesn't ask them to pray or guard or anything. Just sit. Apparently, they aren't spiritually prepared to do much more.

But Jesus expects more of the three that he has been coaching. Perhaps he doesn't want the spiritually duller disciples to witness him in his raw agony. They wouldn't understand. But he hopes the three will somehow join him and pray for him and with him.

"33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,' he said to them. 'Stay here and keep watch.'" (Mark 14:33-34)

To the inner circle who had witnessed the transfiguration and the raising of Jairus' daughter, he is unafraid to reveal the deepness of his struggle. Jesus is undergoing a heavy spiritual battle in the garden that night. The various texts describe his state:

  • "Deeply distressed"180 (Mark 14:33)
  • "Sorrowful"181 (Matthew 26:37)
  • Troubled"182 (Mark 14:33; Matthew 26:37)
  • "Overwhelmed with sorrow"183 (Mark 14:34; Matthew 26:38)
  • "In agony"184 (Luke 22:44)
  • Sweating profusely185 (Luke 22:44)

Jesus knows what lies ahead. It is not that he fears death, I don't believe, but the prospect of being the sin-bearer, of being rejected by the Father, if only for a time. We catch this idea in his prayer from the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" (Matthew 27:45-47; Mark 15:33-34), the first line of Psalm 22, indicating how the entire psalm is speaking of his situation on the cross.

Stay Awake (Mark 14:34-42)

He is the Son of God, but also a human being. The pressure is tremendous. He is battling Satan. He longs for his inner circle of three to be there for support and prayer. And so he asks them simply,

"Stay here186 and keep watch." (Mark 14:34)

"Keep watch" means literally, "to stay awake, be watchful."187 The three disciples do remain where he asks them to but they fall asleep.

"35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'" (Mark 14:35-36)

Fra Angelico, detail, 'Gethsemane,' fresco, cell at San Marco, Florence, Italy
Fra Angelico, detail, 'Gethsemane,' fresco, cell at San Marco, Florence, Italy. Photo: Fr. Lawrence Lew. Larger image.

When he has finished his first round of prayers, he returns to where he left the three.

"37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, 'Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'" (Mark 14:37-38)

Perhaps he shakes Peter's shoulder to awaken him. And in Jesus' overwhelming sadness, he is also sad that his lead disciple sleeps.

"Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?" (Mark 14:38)

In Jesus' hour of need, Simon isn't there for him. There's almost a pleading in his voice, "Couldn't you just stay awake with me for an hour, Simon?" Great temptation is coming to Simon, too. Prayer would fortify him for what is to come, Jesus tells him. Twice more Jesus goes to pray, and twice more he returns to find his closest disciples asleep. Finally, the time for prayer is over. He says,

"41 Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." (Mark 14:41-42)

What I learn from this passage is that it hurts Jesus when I'm not faithful. In this sense, it isn't about sin so much as failing someone who is hoping I can do better. As we know, things for Simon get quickly worse.

But this passage is also about prayer. "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38). Though the disciples cannot help him that night in the Garden, they must help themselves. They, too, are about to undergo a crisis. They will see their Master arrested, spat upon, tried, convicted, sentenced, crucified, dead, and buried before night falls again. And most of them do not avoid the temptation that awaits them.

Jesus' words, of course, fit your situation and mine, too. Were the disciples sleeping? Yes, literally, but too often we sleep spiritually. We don't watch. We don't tarry in prayer. We don't stay spiritually alert. And we don't "arise" (Greek anistēmi, "stand up, get up"), as Jesus urged his disciples to do in the Garden, but are content with our spiritual sloth.

We must pray if we expect to avoid entering into temptation. And we will be tempted; there is no doubt about that. It seems like the days on which the temptation seems the strongest are those days when we haven't prepared ourselves in prayer. A coincidence? I think not.

Jesus is strengthened by prayer. He does resist the temptation of avoiding the cup that was so repugnant to him. He does the Father's will no matter the cost. If Jesus needs to pray to resist temptation, how much more do we?

Q23. (Mark 14:33-34) Why did Jesus invite the inner circle to be closer to him in the garden? Why is Jesus disappointed in Peter, James, and John? What does it mean for us to "watch and pray"? How does prayer help in temptation? When should we do that?

5.4. Resisting Temptation (1 Peter 5:8-11)

Many years later, a mature Peter teaches his followers how to resist temptation. Don't underestimate the devil, Peter tells them. He is dangerous!

"Your enemy188 the devil189 prowls around like a roaring190 lion looking for someone to devour."191 (1 Peter 5:8b)

I've seen mountain lions (Puma concolor) on my own property -- sleek, lurking, long tail twitching -- ready to try to run down any deer it sees. We shouldn't minimize or underestimate our enemy. To call the devil a lion seeking prey is to say he is dangerous.

In verses 8 and 9 Peter gives us five instructions to resist temptation.

"8 Be self-controlled and alert... . 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

1. Be self-controlled, sober-minded.192 If we expect to have a victorious Christian life we must become disciplined people. Sloppy living makes us sitting ducks for prowling lions.

2. Be alert.193 This was Jesus' instruction to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. We must be alert to what is happening around us. We can't assume that we are safe; we can't remain oblivious to the dangers. We have a cunning spiritual foe who seeks to destroy us.

3. Resist him.194 We must take a firm stand in our lives against sin and consistently resist temptation. If we are "double minded" (James 1:8; 4:8), however, we resist part of the time and then give in to our true desires the rest of the time. That is a losing strategy. Standing in the face of the foe is what it means to resist. It is not surrendering nor is it retreating.

4. Remain steadfast. 195 To stand in the face of an enemy takes courage and faith.

5. Be willing to suffer. We need to be prepared to suffer persecution or hardship, if necessary, for our faith. Jesus warned in the Parable of the Sower of believers who give up at the first sign of persecution (Matthew 13:20-21). Paul warned Timothy:

"Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12).

We must decide ahead of time that we will stand our ground, even when it means taking lots of heat.

Q24. (1 Peter 5:8-11) Why does Peter refer to the devil as a lion? What does that teach us about the devil? What are the three or four commands in verse 9? What does Peter teach us about resisting the devil and his temptations? What does verse 10 tell us about God's restoration?

5.5. Cutting Off the Servant's Ear (John 18:10-11)

Back to our narrative in the Garden of Gethsemane. Now after hours of quiet struggle for Jesus -- and sleep for his disciples -- events begin to move rapidly. Judas is leading soldiers and people from the high priest into the garden. As they get ready to arrest Jesus, Peter pulls out a sword.

Buy a Sword (Luke 22:36b)

What is Peter doing with a sword? Earlier in the evening at the Last Supper, Jesus explains to his disciples that the rules have changed. In their previous training trips, they were to go two by two, not carrying any provisions or extra clothing. From now on they are to go out fully prepared; training time is over.

"35 Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?'
'Nothing,' they answered.
36 He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'
38 ... The disciples said, 'See, Lord, here are two swords.'
'That is enough,'196 he replied." (Luke 22:35-36, 38)

The sword Jesus is speaking of isn't a soldier's long sword, but a small sword common in the ancient world, "sword, dagger."197Travelers would carry them for protection on the dangerous roads. Jesus tells his disciples to sell a cloak, if need be, to purchase a sword. Marshall notes, "Dire circumstances are at hand... The saying is a call to be ready for hardship and self-sacrifice."198To carry a small sword doesn't make them violent or evil men, just men prepared for any contingency in a dangerous society.199

Malchus, the High Priest's Servant

Duccio di Buoninsegna, detail from 'Christ Taken Prisoner' (scene 7; 1310) tempera on wood, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena, Italy
Duccio di Buoninsegna, detail from 'Christ Taken Prisoner' (scene 7; 1310) tempera on wood, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena, Italy

Now fast-forward to the arrest in the garden. The disciples ask,

"'Lord, should we strike with our swords?' And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And he touched the man's ear and healed him" (Luke 22:49-51).

John tells us that the swordsman is Peter. Peter's swordplay is having the effect of frustrating Jesus' mission to redeem mankind by his death. Peter had rebuked his Master the first time Jesus explained that his ministry would end in rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection. Now he is resisting it with a sword.

"10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'" (John 18:10-11)

I love the irony of Jesus quickly healing the ear of Malchus, slave of the high priest, Jesus' archenemy. It illustrates the compassion of Jesus in the very midst of his violent arrest.

Peter's Courage and Cowardice

Courage and cowardice are often close to each other -- as we see in Peter. Here in the garden Peter is no coward. He draws a sword and begins to whack away, oblivious to the fact that scores of armed troops are present to see that Jesus' arrest takes place. You can call Peter stupid, a fool, and spiritually dense, perhaps. But you can't call him a coward. Not tonight. Not in the garden -- only later at the High Priest's residence.

But in his spiritual dullness, Peter doesn't perceive that Jesus' arrest and crucifixion are God's will to redeem mankind. So, instead, he seeks to thwart the arrest with his sword. Jesus rebukes him: "No more of this!" (Luke 22:51a). In John's Gospel we read, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11). Matthew adds, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).

We're tempted to fight spiritual attacks with human weapons. Jesus teaches his disciples to fight temptations and attacks with prayer, which he models for us in Gethsemane.

Q25. (Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10-11) What do we learn about Peter when he cuts off the servant's ear? How does it illustrate impulse? Courage? Spiritual dullness? Unwillingness to accept Jesus' plan for salvation? What does healing Malchus's ear tell us about Jesus?

 

5.6. Peter's Denial

To his credit, Peter doesn't run, but follows the soldiers who take Jesus by night to the house of the high priest, who is behind this arrest. Jesus is taken inside. John picks up the narrative.

"15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in." (John 18:15-16)

We suspect that this "other disciple" is the Apostle John, elsewhere seemingly referred to as "the beloved disciple" in John's Gospel, but we can't be sure. Peter is now inside the courtyard enclosure.

Why is Peter there? Perhaps to observe what is happening and help Jesus if he sees an opportunity. Perhaps he sees himself as a spy who is operating incognito, unwilling to disclose his true identity so that he retains freedom to act later. We don't know. But clearly, this is an act of bravery, to be right in the enemy's camp in danger of being recognized.

Each of the four Gospels, however, record that Peter denies Jesus three times. The details surrounding each denial vary only a little from one Gospel to another.

First Denial.200 Peter joins the guards around a fire in the courtyard. A maid or servant girl recognizes Peter and calls him out as being a disciple. Peter denies it.

Second Denial.201 Later, this servant girl or perhaps another calls him out and he denies it again.

Third Denial.202 An hour later, someone else recognizes Peter by his accent as a Galilean and claims he was with Jesus. John tells us that this person is a relative of Malchus, the high priest's servant whose ear Peter cut off. Peter denies it and invokes a curse on himself if what he has said isn't true.

The Cock Crows. Immediately after the third denial, the cock crows and reminds Peter of Jesus' prediction of these three denials earlier in the night. Luke gives us a poignant detail.

"60b Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.' 62 And he went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:60--62)

Peter is crushed as he realizes the depth to which he has fallen. He hasn't been a spy, but a traitor. Perhaps he remembers Jesus' words:

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men,
the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.
But he who disowns me before men
will be disowned before the angels of God." (Luke 12:8-9)

This story of Peter's three-fold denial isn't over, thank God. It concludes with Jesus' three-fold restoration of Peter to "feed my sheep" after the resurrection. But we'll have to wait a bit for that story (Lesson 6.4).

Q26. What have been Peter's acts of courage at the arrest and in the high priest's courtyard? Why do you think Peter ends up denying Jesus? How would you rebuke Peter according to Galatians 6:1b? Has your courage failed lately? What should you do about it?

At the Cross

We fast forward now, past Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, past his flogging, past his condemnation by Pilate to crucifixion. When we arrive at Golgotha, Peter is nowhere to be seen. Only John, Jesus' mother, and a couple of other women are really close by. We are told,

"All those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things." (Luke 23:49)

Sin, Peter's sin, our sin, our shame, causes us to stand at a distance from our Lord. Jesus, have mercy!203

5.7 Peter's Betrayal Differs from Judas's

How should we understand Peter's denial? How does it differ from Judas's betrayal?

On the surface, both Peter and Judas betray Jesus. Each betrayal is terrible! But there are telling differences. Let's briefly note them.

Peter's denial seems to have been from sudden fear for his safety and from spiritual unpreparedness. Judas's betrayal, on the other hand is premeditated. On the surface, his betrayal stems from greed that had rooted in Judas's soul. Previously he had stolen from the communal money bag which Jesus had entrusted to his care (John 12:6).

But there seems to be another motivation -- unbelief. You premeditate betrayal because of cynicism, loss of faith in Jesus' mission. There has been much speculation about Judas's motives, and various attempts to resurrect his image. But I think it comes down ultimately to a deep misunderstanding of who Jesus is, and the resulting unbelief. It is a deliberate act of treachery. Nothing else adequately explains Judas selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This is more than just greed. It is unbelief -- surely planted in Judas by Satan, but also nurtured by Judas's own will. We see no repentance that leads to faith.

After Peter's denial, he weeps bitterly and goes out into the night. But he continues to stay in Jerusalem with the other disciples where Mary Magdalene finds him Sunday morning. Immediately, he is up and runs to the tomb of the one he loves.

St. Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock, by Ralph F. Wilson
Available in book versions: paperback, PDF, and Kindle

Certainly, Judas is sorry that he has betrayed Jesus. He is "seized with remorse."204 He tries to return the blood money to the chief priests and elders. But his regret isn't met with hope in God's mercy -- that is, belief, faith. He goes out and hangs himself (Matthew 27:1-5). As Jesus has predicted, Judas finds no redemption. He is "doomed to destruction" (John 17:12).

Peter acts grievously, but it is a slip, a fall, not a premeditated turning away from Christ. And Peter repents with faith as Jesus had predicted:

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32)

Q27. What do Peter's denial and Judas's betrayal have in common? How do they differ from one another?

Peter has met the test and failed it. But there is hope. In two days' time Peter will seek Jesus at the empty tomb, and Jesus will seek out Peter and appear to him. We'll consider this in the next lesson.

Prayer

Father, you love us even when you know the worst about us. When we utterly and shamefully fail. Thank you for calling us, for saving us, for preserving us, for hoping in us when we have given up hope. Thank you, Jesus! In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Lessons for Disciples

The passages we have studied here are rich in lessons to help us grow.

  1. The experience of being "sifted them as wheat" is not uncommon. Jesus intercedes for us in our struggles. And Jesus asks Peter, and us, to strengthen others after we have come out of our own trials (Luke 22:31-34; §5.2).
  2. Jesus, though the divine Son of God, is also fully human, and thus understands some of our deepest sorrows. He suffers intense pain, deep distress, sorrow, being troubled, in agony as he prays in the Garden resisting temptation and preparing for the cross (§5.3).
  3. Like the disciples in the Garden, we are asked to "stay here and keep watch," imploring us to remain alert, watchful, and prayerful (Mark 14:34; 38; §5.3).
  4. To resist temptation we must have a healthy respect for our enemy ("like a roaring lion"), resist him, remain steadfast, and be willing to suffer (1 Peter 5:8-11; §5.4)
  5. Jesus heals the servant whose ear is cut off by Peter, showing compassion in the midst of suffering, an example for us to follow (Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10-11; §5.6).
  6. Peter is brave in the garden and to go to the high priest's courtyard. But once there, fear overtakes courage and he denies Jesus three times -- predicted by Jesus (§5.6).
  7. Both Judas and Peter betray Christ. Judas's betrayal is motivated by unbelief, disillusionment, and greed. He is sorry for his sin, but does not return to God. Peter's betrayal is motivated by fear, is not premeditated, and is quickly replaced by repentance and faith (§5.7).

Key Verses

"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, NIV)

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10, NIV)

"Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." (Matthew 26:33, NIV).

"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." (Luke 22:34, NIV)

"He came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, 'Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'" (Mark 14:37-38, NIV)

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8--9, NIV)

"Jesus commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'" (John 18:11)

 

End Notes

References and Abbreviations

[152] Matthew 26:20-29 = Mark 14:17-25 = Luke 22:14-38, Parallels §235; John 13:21-30.

[153] "Piece/morsel of bread" (NIV, NRSV, ESV), "sop" (KJV) is psōmion, "(small) piece/bit of bread," the diminutive of pōmos, "morsel" (BDAG 1100).

[154] "Dip" is baptō, "to dip something in a liquid, dip, dip in" (BDAG 160), a derivative of baptizō, from which we get our word "baptize."

[155] Matthew and Mark have the general word to the disciples that all of them will fall away, Peter's protest, and Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial (Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Parallels §238), while Luke directs a special warning to Peter that Satan will sift him (Luke 22:31-34; Parallels §237c). John's Gospel is different.

[156] The conversation would be either between Satan and the Father, or Satan and Jesus himself. We're not told.

[157] Siniazō, BDAG 924.

[158] Marshall, Luke, p. 820. David Allan Hubbard, Joel and Amos: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale OT Commentary series; Inter-Varsity Press, 1989), p. 235.

[159] Isaiah 30:28; Amos 9:9; Sirach 27:4.

[160] G. Wyper, "Sieve; Sift," ISBE 4:505.

[161] Exaiteō, BDAG 344, 1. The tense is Aorist, which means a single action in the past tense, rather than a continued action, which would be indicated by the imperfect tense.

[162] As Satan: Acts 5:3; 26:18; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 7:5; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:15; as "the devil": Acts 10:38; 13:10; Ephesians 4:27; 6:11; 1 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:26; Hebrews 2:14; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8, 10; Jude 9; and several references in the Book of Revelation.

[163] "Prayed" is the Aorist tense of deomai, "to ask for something pleadingly, ask, request" (BDAG 218, b).

[164] Ekleipō, BDAG 306.

[165] "Turned back" (NIV, NRSV), "turned again" (ESV), "converted" (KJV) is epistrephō, "to turn to," then "to change direction, turn around;" here, "to change one's mind or course of action, for better or worse, turn, return" (BDAG 382, 4a).

[166] "Strengthen" is stērizō, literally, "to fix firmly in place," here, "to cause to be inwardly firm or committed, confirm, establish, strengthen" (BDAG 945, 2).

[167] "Eternal" is the Greek adverb aiōnios, "pertaining to a period of unending duration, without end" (BDAG 33).

[168] "A little while" (NIV, NRSV), "a while" (KJV) is the Greek adjective oligos, "pertaining to being relatively small in number, few." Here it refers to duration, "a short time" (BDAG 702-703).

[169] "Restore you" (NIV, NRSV), "make you perfect" (KJV) is the Greek verb kataritizō, "to cause to be in a condition to function well, put in order, restore" (BDAG 526).

[170] "Make ... strong" (NIV), "stablish" (KJV), "support" (NRSV) is the Greek verb stērizō, which has a basic meaning of, "to fix firmly in place, set up, establish, support," mainly of physical objects. Here it is used figuratively, "to cause to be inwardly firm or committed, confirm, establish, strengthen" (BDAG 945).

[171] "Make ... firm" (NIV), "strengthen" (NIV, NRSV) is the Greek verb sthenoō, "strengthen, make strong" (BDAG 922), from the noun sthenos, "strength."

[172] "Make ... steadfast" (NIV), "settle" (KJV), "establish" (NRSV) is the Greek verb themelioō, means literally, "to provide a base for some material object or structure, lay a foundation, found." Here it is used figuratively, "to provide a secure basis for the inner life and its resources, establish, strengthen" (BDAG 449).

[173] The adjective "ready" is Greek hetoimos, "ready, prepared" (BDAG 401).

[174] "Fall away" (NIV, ESV), "become deserters" (NRSV), "be offended" (KJV) is skandalizō, "to cause to be brought to a downfall, cause to sin (the sin may consist in a breach of the moral law, in unbelief, or in the acceptance of false teachings). Here, in the passive, "let oneself be led into sin, fall away" (BDAG 926, 1a).

[175] Matthew 26:34 = Mark 14:30 = Luke 22:34 = John 13:38.

[176] The verb "deny" is Greek aparneomai, "to refuse to recognize or acknowledge, deny" (BDAG 97, 1). The word "know" is the common Greek verb oida, here, in the sense of, "to be intimately acquainted with or stand in a close relation to, know" (BDAG 693, 2).

[177] Kēpos, BDAG 542; Liddell-Scott 947.

[178] A hedge or wall is implied since Jesus "entered" the garden (John 18:1).

[179] John 18:2; Luke 22:39-40.

[180] Mark employs an interesting word here. "Deeply/greatly distressed" (NIV, ESV), "distressed" (NRSV), "sore amazed" (KJV) is ekthambeō, "to be moved to a relatively intense emotional state because of something causing great surprise or perplexity, be very excited," here, "be struck with terror" (BDAG 303).

[181] "Sorrowful" (NIV, ESV, KJV), "grieved" (NRSV), lupeō, "to experience sadness or distress," here in the passive present, "be sad, be distressed, grieve" (BDAG 604).

[182] "Troubled" (NIV, ESV), "agitated" (NRSV), "very heavy" (KJV), adēmoneō, "be in anxiety, be distressed, troubled" (BDAG 19).

[183] "Overwhelmed with sorrow" (NIV), "very/exceedingly sorrowful" (ESV, KJV), "deeply grieved" (NRSV), is a single word, perilypos, "very sad, deeply grieved" (BDAG 802). Thayer sees this compound word as properly "encompassed with grief," from peri-, "in a circuit, round about, all around" + lypē, "sorrow" (Thayer 503).

[184] "In agony" (NIV, KJV), "in anguish" (ESV, NRSV) is two words, en, "in" and agōnia, "apprehensiveness of mind, especially when faced with impending ills, distress, anguish" (BDAG 17).

[185] The text says, "his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44). It doesn't say he was bleeding, but that the sweat was dripping "like" drops of blood. "Like" (NIV, ESV, NRSV), "as it were" (KJV) is hōsei, "a marker denoting comparison, 'as, like, (something) like'" (BDAG 1106, 1).

[186] "Remain" (NIV, ESV, NRSV), "tarry" (KJV) is menō, "remain, stay" (BDAG 630, 1aα).

[187] "Keep watch" (NIV), "watch" (ESV, KJV), "stay awake" (NRSV) in verses 35 and 37 is grēgoreō, here, "to stay awake, be watchful." A similar meaning suggests alertness (BDAG 208, 1). Thayer mentions that it is derived from egrēgora, "to have been roused from sleep, to be awake," thus is focused on wakefulness. Metaphorically (as in a couple of parables) it means, "to watch," that is, "give strict attention to, be cautious, active" (Thayer 122, 1).

[188] "Adversary" (KJV, NRSV), "enemy" (NIV) is the Greek noun antidikos, originally a legal technical term, "one who brings a charge in a lawsuit, accuser, plaintiff," but here could mean more generally, "one who is continuously antagonistic to another, enemy, opponent" (BDAG 88).

[189] "Devil" is the Greek noun diabolos (from which we get our English word "diabolic"). It means originally, "one who engages in slander." In the New Testament it is "the title of the principal transcendent evil being, the adversary/devil" (BDAG 226-227). The Spanish word for "devil" is diablo.

[190] "Roaring" translates an onomatopoeic Greek verb, that is, a word that imitates the sound it suggests -- oruomai, "to roar" (BDAG 1103).

[191] "Devour" is the Greek verb katapinō, to drink or swallow completely," then figuratively, "to destroy completely, devour" (BDAG 524).

[192] "Self-controlled" (NIV), "sober" (NIV), "discipline yourselves" (NRSV) is the Greek verb nēphō, which primarily means "sober, not drunk." But in the New Testament it is used figuratively, "be free from every form of mental and spiritual 'drunkenness,' from excess, passion, rashness, confusion, etc. Be well-balanced, self-controlled" (BDAG 672).

[193] "Be alert" (NIV, NRSV), "be vigilant" (KJV) is the Greek verb grēgoreō, which literally means, "to stay awake, be watchful." Here it is used of spiritual watchfulness, "to be in constant readiness, be on the alert," similar to our expression, "Keep your eyes open" (BDAG 207-208).

[194] "Resist" is the Greek verb anthistēmi, which means, "to be in opposition to, set oneself against, oppose" (BDAG 80).

[195] "Firm" (NIV), "steadfast" (KJV, NRSV) is the Greek adjective stereos, which refers originally to physical properties, "pertaining to being firm or solid in contrast to being soft or viscous; firm, hard, solid, strong." In our verse it is used figuratively of human character, "steadfast, firm" (BDAG 943).

[196] "Enough" is the Greek adjective hikanos, "sufficient, adequate, large enough" (BDAG 472). While it could mean, "Two will be sufficient at this time," it very probably means "That's enough of this conversation" (Marshall, Luke, p. 825).

[197] Machaira, BDAG 622.

[198] Marshall, Luke, p. 825.

[199] More on this in my Disciple Training in Luke's Gospel (JesusWalk.com, 2010), Lesson 98 (https://www.jesuswalk.com/luke/098-provisions.htm).

[200] Luke 22:54-57; Mark 14:66-68; Matthew 26:69-70; John 18:17; Parallels §241.

[201] Luke 22:58; Matthew 26:71-72; Mark 14:69-70a; John 18:25; Parallels §241.

[202] Luke 22:59-60; Mark 14:70b-71; Matthew 26:73-74a; John 18:26-27a; Parallels §241.

[203] New Testament scholar Robert H. Gundry (Peter: False Disciple and Apostate according to Saint Matthew (Eerdmans, 2015) goes so far as to argue that the Gospel of Matthew sees Peter as a false disciple and apostate, since this Gospel ends without resolving Peter's terrible betrayal. In other Gospels, Peter runs to the tomb, Jesus appears to him, and Jesus restores Peter at lakeside in Galilee. Matthew's Gospel ends without resolving Peter's terrible betrayal. It is an argument from silence that I do not find convincing.

[204] "Seized with remorse" (NIV), "changed his mind" (ESV), "repented" (NRSV, KJV) is metamelomai, "to have regrets about something, in the sense that one wishes it could be undone, be very sorry, regret" (BDAG 639, 1).

[205] "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles" (Luke 24:10).

Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.