John 18:25-27 — The Rooster Crows — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 18:25-27. Listen.

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, "You aren't one of his disciples too, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the garden?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

In this short passage, we see the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction about Peter's denial. Earlier, Jesus had told Peter, "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times" (John 13:38). Now, that moment has come.

Peter is in the courtyard, warming himself by the fire. He's trying to blend in, to avoid detection. But he can't escape the questioning. First, the people around the fire ask him if he's one of Jesus' disciples. Peter denies it, just as he did when questioned by the servant girl at the gate.

Then, a servant of the high priest, a relative of Malchus, the man whose ear Peter had cut off in the garden, challenges him directly. "Didn't I see you with him in the garden?" This servant had been there, had witnessed Peter's impulsive act of violence. His question is pointed, specific.

And again, Peter denies it. It's his third denial, and immediately, the rooster crows. It's a reminder of Jesus' words, a signal of Peter's failure and the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction.

This passage is also a reminder that even the strongest among us are not immune to failure. We all have our breaking points, our moments of weakness when the pressure is on. We all need God's grace and strength to stand firm.

But it's also a reminder of Jesus' foreknowledge and sovereignty. He knew Peter would fail, and yet he still chose him, still loved him, still had a plan for him. Peter's failure, as grievous as it was, was not the end of his story. Jesus had prayed for him, that his faith would not fail, and that he would turn back and strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:32).

This gives us hope. Our failures, our denials, our moments of weakness are not beyond the scope of God's grace and redemptive purposes. Like Peter, we can be restored, forgiven, and used by God for his glory.

As we reflect on this passage, let's ask ourselves: In what areas of my life am I prone to denial or compromise? What fears cause me to shrink back from identifying with Jesus? How can I draw strength and courage from Jesus' love and grace?

May we, in our moments of weakness, remember the unfailing love and grace of Christ. May we find in him the strength to stand, and the hope of restoration when we fall.

God bless you.