22 - The Cock Crows

The Cock Crows

Denial of responsibility is a theme that reoccurs throughout both the Old and New Testaments. However none is as prominent as Peter in the Passion narrative. Experiencing trauma and clearly fearing for his life, Peter denies Jesus three times early morning after Jesus has been apprehended. Then the cock crows as predicted, and Peter realizing what he has done in his weakness, breaks down. Unlike Adam and Eve, he has not simply denied responsibility, he has denied Christ.

Christ knowing what has likely transpired speaks to Peter after he is resurrected. Jesus does not say why did you deny me for Jesus is the God of the weak. Jesus does not humiliate Peter for his mistake which is what power would often do. Instead he asks Peter “Do you love me?”. Three times, one for each denial. Peter is not necessarily offended by this repetition but is clearly hurt by the appearance that Jesus is not believing his answer.  However it is Christ’s directive that is pivotal here. Peter’s denial was a man imploding inward to protect himself. What is Jesus’ response on how to show that Peter loves him? Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. Reach outward and care for others.

Unlike Adam and Eve, Peter does not avoid Jesus or hide. Despite his denial, Peter reconciles with a Christ who understands mistakes and how the correct navigation of circumstances result in an impulsive weak man becoming a rock on which the church can be built.