Jesus' Suffering, Death and ResurrectionSampel

Peter’s downfall and Jesus’ faithfulness

“Peter said to [Jesus], ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’” (Luke 22:33-34)

Jesus knew His disciples intimately. He knew their strengths and weaknesses. He knew that Simon Peter tended to overestimate himself. And so Jesus lovingly warned him. A difficult night was coming. Satan would do everything in his power not only to kill Jesus but also to cause the downfall of His followers. But Jesus would not allow that to happen. “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail,” He said.

Peter, however, considered himself invincible. After all, he was Jesus' most faithful disciple! He would even die for Jesus if necessary!

The rest of the story makes it painfully clear how vulnerable Peter actually was. As soon as he was cornered, he adamantly denied having anything to do with Jesus. His bravery and loyalty crumbled in an instant. When he realized what he had done, he broke down, crying in the night.

But Jesus' promise stood firm. “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” Even though Peter had fallen significantly, he remained a child of God. Jesus did not write him off but afterward granted him forgiveness and restoration.

This history is both a warning and an encouragement. Following Jesus can be difficult. In our own strength, we cannot succeed. But He holds us!