And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he hurried on and began to weep (Mark 14:72, New American Standard Bible).

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Peter denied knowing Jesus when He needed a friend to stand by Him. Some early church leaders thought both sins were just as serious.

Jesus knew what they would do. He even said so. He warned Peter that he would deny Him, even while Peter insisted he was loyal enough to stand by Him until the bitter end, even if it killed him.

I wonder if Peter remembered what Jesus said every time he denied Him. Did Peter say, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!” (Mark 14:71) and immediately think, “Oh, wait a minute, what am I doing? Jesus warned me!” Or did the rooster crow, and Peter suddenly thought, “Darn! He told me and I did it anyway? What is wrong with me?”

It does not matter. Jesus knew Peter would sin. Still, He forgave him. Jesus would restore Peter to his status as lead apostle (John 21:15-19). We can only wonder what Jesus would have done if Judas Iscariot had not committed suicide and returned to apologize to Him; I suspect that, in that case, Judas would have been restored to his position as an apostle.

Like Peter, we often sin even when we should know better. Still, Jesus, who knew we would fail before temptation arose, offers forgiveness and a new beginning. If you have sinned, do not allow shame to hold you back. Jesus loves you. He forgives you. He knew before time began how you would screw up, and He still died for you.

Is there anything holding you back from seeking forgiveness? Come to Jesus. Confess your sins; He knew what you would do before you did it. He will forgive you.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.