Today we will be in Mark 14:66-72. Read through the passage being careful to observe the scene. This is the setting of the trial of Jesus and all the people gathered are there trying to get a glimpse of Jesus. Trying to learn what the rulers of the Jews will do with Jesus. Most are curiosity seekers. Some perhaps paid to be witnesses. It appears that the wave of popularity that had once followed Jesus - even up to a few days ago - has ebbed away and the attitude toward this Jesus has drastically shifted from openness and curiosity to antagonism and rejection.
Jesus is being accused and condemned to death and meanwhile in the courtyard are people mingling about. And amidst these crowds stands Peter. Warming himself by the fire his eyes darting about him. His ears tuned to what is going on. Don’t miss this. Peter is present and he is at the trial. There is courage in Peter. Can you see it? He is there because He wants to be faithful to Jesus. He is there because he wants to be courageous. He is there because he wants to stand with Jesus. But at the same time he is fearful. He doesn’t want to die. He doesn’t want Jesus to die. Maybe Peter is there because of hope. A hope against all hope. A hope for a miracle. He had seen Jesus do many miracles. He even brought the dead to life, surely He could extricate Himself from this situation.
The spirit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak. Someone notices Peter. He looks familiar. Surely he is one of Jesus’ followers. “No!” Peter proclaims. Now she points him out to others...his heart begins to pound in his chest. This is getting out of control. “No! I don’t know what you are talking about” he proclaims. But the bystanders aren’t convinced. They keep pushing into Peter. And finally in desperation he speaks a curse on himself to convince them that he does not know this man Jesus.
With the echoes of the rooster’s crow ringing in his ears and his promises to Jesus and denials ringing in his heart, Peter remembers the words of Jesus, looks up across the courtyard and his eyes meet the eyes of the One whom he loved but had denied (Luke 22:61). And he broke down and wept bitterly.
My heart aches as I see Peter weeping. It aches because I know his sorrow. I know his pain. It aches because I am Peter, denying the Lord I love in the face of opposition. But my heart aches even more as I look into the eyes of Jesus at my own betrayal of Him. Why does it ache so? Because when I look into His eyes, I see love. And forgiveness. And mercy. Oh what a Savior. Isn’t He wonderful??
“Eternal Father, Thou art good beyond all thought, but I am vile, wretched, miserable, blind...all these sins I mourn, lament, and for them cry pardon. Work in me more profound and abiding repentance...grant that through the tears of repentance I may see more clearly the brightness and glories of the saving cross.” (“Yet I Sin,” The Valley of Vision)
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