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.