Before the Rooster Crows

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” -Luke 22:34

 

Peter was confident that he would die for Jesus. That he would never deny the Lord, but Jesus knew differently. Jesus knows our hearts and knows that we are fearful. Even though He knows that we will betray Him, He never gives up.

 

“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” - Luke 22:32

 

Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith to stay strong, knowing that Peter would deny Him. Before the rooster crows, and a new day begins. However, Jesus also said that when Peter turned back to Jesus, he would strengthen other believers. That Peter would spread the hope of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and move boldly for God’s kingdom. Peter denied Jesus, but Jesus never gave up on him. And He never gives up on us. No matter the sins we commit, the denial we choose, or the path we wrongly follow, He never lets us go. Peter wept, knowing that he betrayed Jesus. But the resurrection changed everything.

 

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 

John 21:15-17