What lesson should we take away from Peter’s denial of Jesus?

But Peter was adamant. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t you understand? I don’t even know him.” While the words were still in his mouth, the rooster crowed. At that moment, the Lord, who was being led through the courtyard by his captors, turned around and gazed at Peter. All at once Peter remembered the words Jesus had prophesied over him, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Peter burst into tears, ran off from the crowd, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22.60 – 62, Passion Translation)

What was Jesus thinking? What about Peter? 

Was Jesus disappointed with Peter? I don’t see why he would have been. First, he predicted Peter’s denial after he predicted that all the disciples would run away. He needed them to run away, to lay low, so they would be around to carry on the work after the resurrection. Jesus loved Peter, of course, but he also may have communicated with that look, “Peter. This is the second time you’ve doubted by word. First, you said I wouldn’t go to the cross. Then when I said you would run away, you said you wouldn’t. Don’t doubt my words!”

The real lesson was for Peter. We know that Jesus restored Peter in John 21, but the restoration was for Peter’s sake. Peter needed to learn that his relationship with Jesus was not predicated on his performance. This is a truth we all sometimes have trouble with. 

Baseball can be instructive. At the professional level, the very best hitters fail 2 of every 3 times they come to bat. What do you do when you make the third out by striking out with the bases loaded? You pick up your glove and take your position in the field. If it was the last out of the game, you show up the next day and continue to play. Perfection is not expected nor is it possible. When you fail, get over it.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1.8 – 10, ESV)

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 6.15, NKJV)