Page 12 - November 2025 - Truth & Tidings

he Lord moved inexorably toward The Progress of Peter’s Denial (vv66-71).
the completion of His service: Peter swore an oath that he never knew
Tthe cross. We have seen the An- the Lord hours after affirming his undy-
ticipation of the Servant (14:1-42) and com- ing allegiance to Him (v31). Mark vividly
menced our study of the Action Against records three stages in this process. First,
the Servant (14:43-15:15). Turning from Peter denied understanding a servant
His Arrest and Religious Trial we now girl’s claim that he was “with Jesus of
consider His Denial and Civil Trial. Nazareth” (vv67-68). Then, to the same
His Denial (14:66-72) girl, he repeatedly denied being one of the
disciples (vv69-70). Finally, when others
Peter was the eyewitness from whom said, “Surely thou art one of them,” he
Mark obtained details for his Gospel. As deliberately invoked a curse on himself
such, he did nothing to cover up his own if he were lying and swore an oath that
failings. This confirms the historicity of “this man” was utterly unknown to him
Mark’s Gospel. Peter would never have (vv70-71). Peter’s failure is a study in
allowed the story of his denial to be spread the treachery of our flesh. As Paul said,
without challenge if it were untrue. “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)
The events of the final chapters of Mark dwelleth no good thing” (Rom 7:18).
are interwoven with the sad theme of The Pain of Peter’s denial (v72). When
Peter’s denial (14:27-31,50,54,66-72). Note the cock was heard to crow the second
the following: time, Peter’s memory was awakened and
The Prediction of Peter’s Denial (v30). his conscience ignited. He “called to mind
On the way to the Mount of Olives, the the word that Jesus said unto him, Before
Lord foretold the disciples’ stumbling and the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me
Peter’s denials. Peter rejected these predic- thrice” (v72). And, “throwing himself
tions vigorously: “I will not deny thee in down, he began to cry” (LSB). We can
any wise” (v31). Our section confirms the visualise Peter’s body shaking with sobs
1
faithfulness of the Lord’s warning, and the as his heart broke with shame. He is not
futility of Peter’s bravado (vv66-72). mentioned again until after the Lord’s
The Path to Peter’s Denial (vv31,37- resurrection.
41,54). Peter’s self-confidence led to Peter’s fall should challenge us to reject
prayerlessness and vulnerability. His any confidence in the flesh, to continue
physical distance from the Lord (v54) in prayerful dependence upon God, and
mirrored his own spiritual troubles.
to take early steps to identify ourselves
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV publicly and unashamedly with our Lord
unless otherwise noted. Jesus.

332 TRUTH kTidings November 2025