Big Idea: This is the second terrible contrast during Jesus’s trial: the horror of Peter thinking only of himself and denying Jesus with greater intensity on each of three occasions, versus Jesus, who suffers and dies for Peter as his redeeming Lord.

Understanding the Text

As seen throughout the Passion Narrative, Jesus is in complete, sovereign control of the awful events taking place. The leaders of his people have not only rejected him but also have placed him on trial for his life, declared him guilty, and condemned him to death. These leaders have mocked him, and the temple guards have beaten him. Now Peter, one of his closest disciples, will not only fail him but also deny him. In this sense, Peter joins the leaders and the temple police in rejecting Jesus, who is left completely a…