The Gospel of Mark: Peter's Denial

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt.Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. ~ Mark 14:66-72


This is the last we see of Peter in Mark's Gospel - the last we see of any of the disciples. 

What a way to leave them! It sure doesn't sound like a happy ending does it?

And yet, by the time Mark wrote his gospel, the resurrection had happened, Pentecost had happened, the Spirit had come, the church had been born.

And Peter was leading.

Maybe, just maybe, the readers of Mark, who knew how Peter's story ended, could find hope that the leader of their movement had begun so ignominiously.

Perhaps it gave them hope that despite denying Jesus, Peter had become a fervent witness to the risen Christ.

Mark's readers were facing their own worries - including persecutions. Maybe they had reason to doubt themselves.

But through Peter, they could see that God never had any doubts about a follower who struggled.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:

Have there been times you felt like you let down God? What did that feel like? How does God respond to that?
 

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