When the Rooster Crows: Have You Ever Been Like Peter?
Following Jesus… Until Fear Sets In
I’ve been reading a Bible plan that follows the 40 days of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. It’s heartbreaking to read through the different Gospel accounts, and I’ve been left with so many questions—and plenty of tears.
How? Why? How could they?
His disciples followed Him. They KNEW Him. They saw Him perform miracles. They listened to His teachings. And yet, when the time came, they fled.
Matthew 26:56 (NIV)
“But all this has taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Why? Fear.
The simple truth is, they were human. They were shaken, scared, and unsure of what was happening. Jesus wasn’t surprised by their abandonment. He knew this moment would come. It had been foretold in Scripture:
Zechariah 13:7 (NIV)
“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!”
declares the Lord Almighty.
“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,
and I will turn my hand against the little ones.”
They fled in fear, even Peter, the same Peter who had been willing to fight for Jesus just moments before.
The Two Sides of Peter: Brave & Fearful
When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter didn’t hesitate—he drew his sword and struck a servant of the high priest.
John 18:10 (NIV)
“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.”
Peter was bold. Ready to defend Jesus. Unwavering.
But just hours later, he was nowhere to be found.
The same Peter who stood in defense of Jesus now stood at the enemy’s fire, denying Him.
Luke 22:61 (NIV)
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’”
Can you imagine that moment?
As Peter uttered his third denial, the rooster crowed—and Jesus turned and looked straight at him.
What did that look say?
- Did it say, “I told you so?”
- Was it a look of hurt and disappointment?
- Or was it something else entirely?
I believe it was love.
Even in that moment of betrayal, Jesus’s eyes spoke love and compassion. A silent way of saying, “I know you are weak, but I still love you.”
How Many Times Have I Been Like Peter?
Peter’s story hits close to home because, if I’m honest, I’ve been Peter.
- I may not have denied Jesus with my words, but have I kept silent when I had the opportunity to share His name?
- Have I chosen comfort over courage when speaking about my faith felt uncomfortable?
- Have I let fear dictate my actions instead of standing firm in what I believe?
If I’m not actively standing for Christ, am I not also standing with Peter, warming myself at the enemy’s fire?
Not speaking up is a form of denial.
Every time the opportunity arises to proclaim Jesus as Lord, but we stay silent, we are Peter.
Listen…
Do you hear it?
The rooster is crowing.
To God Goes The Glory
Have A Blessed Day
Let’s End With a Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the moments when I have stayed silent instead of boldly proclaiming Your name. I don’t want to be like Peter in his fear—I want to be like Peter in his faith. Strengthen me to stand firm, even when the world challenges me. Help me to listen to the nudges of the Holy Spirit instead of the whispers of fear. Let my words and actions glorify You, and when the rooster crows, may I respond with repentance and renewed devotion.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Thank you for the devotion today. I needed it. Also, I am happy you give God the glory!
Important message! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your Sunday devotion.
I am blessed by them each week.
thank you for sharing really makes you think.
Thank you for this wonderful message. ✝️
Wow Tania, this really hits home for me. My lifetime church went in a direction I couldn’t support, it’s been like grieving a family member honestly. Your Sunday messages are very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your faith.
I’m so sorry! It is hard to find a new church. Since we moved a couple of years ago, I haven’t found one I love. More times than not, I end up watching church online.
In my heart I long to be like Paul, in reality, I’m am Peter.
I think most of us feel the same way.
Thank you for sharing this powerful message!
Love this powerful devotion!
Beautiful message. Thank you Tania.
Beautiful meditation. I love Peter, partly because the Bible says that he cursed. Makes me feel like God can use me for good, even with my potty mouth!😉
The Lord can use anybody, we just have to be willing.
I believe you are being bold and love that you end each post with words of scripture! For many it maybe the only ones they will see or hear that day!
I hope it makes a difference in someone’s life.
Thank you for this post. Easter is my favorite holiday because it is an awakening and a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I cry every time I read or see a movie about his suffering. I ask the same thing. Over & Over, I say how could they do that to him. Then when I am being honest with myself, I realize that it’s so easy for me to judge when we have the scripture & know how the story ends. I am guilty of my own sins but because of His Suffering, I can be forgiven. Amen!
Denise, I love the ending of Easter, but I hate the leading up to it phase. I always feel so guilty because it is our sins that Jesus died for. We are why He suffered, God is why He rose again.
Great post today. I have been reading each of the gospel accounts of Jesus through the terrible injustice of men to the time of meeting his disciples after the resurrection. so thankful for a Savior who loves us.
I read your Sunday sermons and really enjoy them! Thank you for being brave enuf to share your faith! I believe this message was not for me but for some other… lol lol lol. Have a great week and again thank you. When do I get my 50 bucks?!?!? 😂😝
Karen (a fairly nice one kinda).
❤️❤️❤️
Beautifully written, Tania. I think we can all relate.
Thank you for sharing this message. I hope you have a great week!
So beautiful!! I love it. Thank you Tanya. ✝️
Powerful words to help me be cognizant of my own faith. Thank you.
May we all claim Jesus
Not related to your teaching….which was great.
Please do a post on pajamas of all kinds! Also, winter and summer robes.
Thank you for sharing! What a great message!
Thank you for sharing this message with us. I pray that I can reduce the number of times that I fall short. I’m thankful that Jesus’s love for us never wavers.
What a powerful message! Thank you for your gift of sharing God’s word in such a way to encourage us!
Thank you for sharing this message!
Nice
Beautiful Sunday post! Thank you, Tania! Have a blessed week 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Wonderful message today! Thank you for your obedience to spread the Word of God.
Have a great week.
Thank you for this thoughtful post. Peter’s shortcomings remind us that we can fail but still be included in His inner circle. Amazing love. Amazing grace ✝️.
The rooster IS crowing! Thank you for this wonderful message and beautiful prayer! ✝️🙏🏼
Thank you for this. Which bible plan are you following?
I use the Bible App. I don’t follow one plan, I skip around and do a different one each day.
I use that app too! Just wondered if you were using a specific lent one. Beautiful post anyhow. Lots of food for thought!
Beautiful and very telling! Thank you for When the Roster Crows and the Prayer!
Thank you, such a great reminder! So refreshing to hear the words my heart needs to hear……you are loved and never alone!
Amen…wonderful message…heartbreaking what our Lord and Savior went through for us. Thank you my Jesus! Praise the Lord!
What a blessing to read your post!! I forwarded it to my adult children. It is extremely thought provoking and one message which will stay with me.
Thank you!🙏
Thank you for this meditation. I look forward to them each Sunday.
Wonderful post. We have all been like Peter at one time or another. I love the prayer too.
thought provoking. we are mere humans but we sometimes forget to do the right actions. Thank you Tania for reminding us we will fall short but to go and keep trying. Have a blessed Sunday.
Amen 🙏
What a great prayer and brief accounting of Peter’s betrayal. What is the name of the 40 day reading that you are doing? I’m looking for something that focuses on different periods in the Bible. I have read it three times through, but I want,to start breaking it down,
I use the Bible App. I don’t follow one plan, I skip around and do a different one each day.
Beautiful post. And thought provoking.
I never considered that when Jesus looked at Peter it may have been with love. Wow. But I think you may be right on. Hallelujah – what a Savior!
Great message, thanks.
Thank you, Tania. I needed that word. I have been Peter to my shame. But the Lord Jesus is faithful to forgive and still loves me & all who sincerely call upon Him.
Your devotionals are so good! They are wonderful reminders of what is important. I look forward to reading them on Sundays. Thank you for taking the time to add this “ministry”to your busy life.
A lesson I need to write on my heart and think on daily. Daily. Thank you.
Thank you Tania wonderful prayer! Yes and Amen 🙏
Great meditation for this season of Lent. Have a blessed week!
Tania,
WOW!
This hit home hard! Thank you! I have often been guilty of not speaking up when I had an opportunity. Thank you for helping me see myself in the denial of Peter!
Thank you for these Sunday posts! This is one of the reasons I follow you! Thanks again!
Me, too, Linda!
Good reminder. Thanks
Beautiful meditation Tania, thank you.