When the Rooster Crows
“But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Matthew 26:33
Have you ever felt so confident in yourself or your ability to complete a task that the thought of failure was almost incomprehensible? On the surface, there are many benefits to self-confidence. Self-confidence can foster a sense of security, inspire a spirit of adventure, reduce fear and anxiety and promote creativity. However, self-confidence that is separate from God-confidence can quickly morph into overconfidence, which can prove to be disastrous. Such was the case for the Apostle Peter, as seen in the twenty-sixth chapter of Matthew in an account just prior to Jesus’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Before diving into that famous scene in the gospel story, we will need to rewind and look at an encounter between Jesus and Peter in chapter sixteen.
In the sixteenth chapter, Jesus and the disciples arrive in the district of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (v.13) They respond to Jesus by telling Him, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”(v.14) It is then that Jesus asks a piercing question. “But who do you say that I am.” (v.15) Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v.16) This response prompts a powerful declaration from Jesus regarding His plans for Peter.
“Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (v.17-18)
Wow! What a declaration! This would inspire confidence in anyone. Perhaps, even overconfidence. Fast forward to chapter twenty-six.
As the disciples complete an evening of fellowship, having eaten what had become known as “the last supper,” they head out to the Mount of Olives, the location of a powerful exchange between Jesus, the twelve disciples and, more specifically, Peter.
30. After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’ 32. But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33. But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.”
Oh, Peter! Have you not heard? Never say never! What is ironic is that it is Peter, who, just a few verses earlier, identified Jesus as the “Son of the Living God,” who foolishly questions His prophetic word. Unfortunately, in this instance, we see an excellent example of self-confidence separating from God-confidence. Peter’s confidence in himself was greater than his confidence in His Lord. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that Peter had good intentions; however, the reality was that he failed to recognize the divine sovereignty of Jesus and the humble fallibility of his own human condition.
In response to Peter’s declaration of faithfulness, Jesus replies,
34. “Truly I say to you that this very night before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35. Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.
Tragically, in this same chapter, Jesus is betrayed by Judas, abandoned by the disciples and, as the rooster crowed, is indeed denied not once but three times by Peter. But wait, didnt Jesus state that Peter would be the rock upon which He would build His church? We will address that next week.
For now, we as believers must understand that our confidence must always be first and foremost in the Lord. It is often the case that when we are at the peak of our own self-confidence, we forget how imperfect we are. Overconfidence can be intoxicating, yet we are reminded to “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” ( 1 Peter 5:8) It is at that moment when we rely on our own strength and understanding that the devil attacks.
There will be times in our lives as believers when the rooster crows, and sometimes, our self-reliance and overconfidence cause us to betray our best intentions. However, we can take comfort in the fact that we have a Saviour who understands our weaknesses. Jesus promised Peter would become the “rock” upon which He would build His church. Similarly, God has a plan for your life. Be confident in Him, and He will keep you in His will and by Grace, He will mould you into the person he destined you to be.
As for Peter, we will pick up the story again next week. Until then, be well, and God bless!
Yours in Christ,
Brad
