Mark 14:66-72
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Reflection
Peter denies Christ because he fears for his life (cf. Mark 14:27–31). Later, Peter is graciously restored in his relationship with Jesus and appointed as a shepherd of God’s people (John 21:15–19).
The mercy of Jesus toward Peter is an encouragement to other followers: while we may stumble and sin, Jesus turns us around, reconciles with us, and assigns us a useful role in the work of the kingdom (1 Pet. 5:10). When such grace is truly understood, we are moved to love and honor our Savior (Rom. 5:20–6:1; 1 John 4:19). His grace motivates us toward godliness, not sinful carelessness (cf. 2 Cor. 6:1). His grace transforms us (Titus 2:11–12).
Galatians 3:27-29
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
Reflection
Baptized Christians are united to a community of believers that are fully accepted by Christ, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or social status. All who are willing to unite themselves to Jesus Christ by faith are welcome.
Paul neither directly condones nor condemns slavery, a common social institution of his day. However, in the short book of Philemon he encourages a slave owner to regard his slave as a brother (Philem. 16). Further, Paul does not want people to deny their gender or ethnicity, though he does encourage us to take our primary identity from Christ. So even though important differences remain, unity and spiritual equality are respected and upheld. All who belong to Christ through faith are genuine heirs of the promise of God’s grace (Gal. 3:29). Our roles and responsibilities may vary on earth, but we are equally received and loved by Christ —and we should be sure to regard each other from this heavenly point of view (2 Cor. 5:16).
Psalm 51:12-13
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
Though Peter made an awful mistake, he repented and was soon used mightily by Christ. If you or someone you know has failed to be faithful to Christ, there is no need to despair. Pray that the forgiving love of Christ would provide comfort, and know that it’s never too late for Christ to use us for his purposes.