Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:71 – “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'”

We turn from Peter’s bold profession of Jesus as Messiah in yesterday’s reading to his bold denial of even knowing Jesus in today’s reading. To his credit perhaps, Peter followed the action, wanting or needing to see what played out with Jesus. Perhaps Peter still held to his view of Messiah as a king like David. Perhaps he wanted to be an eyewitness to the legions of angels destroying all who opposed Jesus.

It is a servant who first says Peter was with Jesus. He denies it. And he tries to move away from her, going to the outer courtyard. As he does, a rooster crows. Apparently she follows him, saying, “He is one of them.” Peter denies it again. But soon the crowd he’s hanging with also accuse Peter of “being one of them.” His accent gives him away. He’s a Galilean. This time, though, we read, “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'” The rooster crows a second time, Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and he sobs. (Yes, the rooster crows two times in Mark’s gospel.)

What a sharp contrast we see in Peter. A handful of hours earlier Peter declared, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” Yet here in the courtyard Peter swears that he does not know Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, before the powerful, Jesus declared, “I am,” when asked about his identity. Peter recoils in fear as the powerless servants question his identity as a follower of Jesus. We too will find ourselves in both places – before the powerful and before the powerless. Will we stand for Jesus in both and all places?

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in environments or around people where we feel fear rising up, remind us of your power and might. We know that while we are in this world we may be impacted by the powers of this world, but ultimately our home is with you. Be with us, strengthen and encourage us for this journey. Amen.