The story of Peter’s denial is carefully crafted in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus’ interrogation by the high priest (Mark 14:55–65) is sandwiched between the two narratives of Peter following Jesus at a distance and his denial of Jesus (vv. 53–54, 66–72). This structure contrasts Jesus’ bold response in affirming His messianic identity with Peter’s cowardly denial of being Jesus’ disciple. Jesus’ response, set in the context of His impending crucifixion and death, demonstrates the cost of courage, while Peter’s denial illustrates the emptiness of his earlier boast (vv. 29– 31). Jesus confronted His interrogators, denying nothing, while Peter faltered, denying everything.

Peter did not realise he had denied his master three times, until he heard the rooster crow twice (V. 72). He suddenly realised he had done what he should not have.

Have we done something we should not have done? Have we justified doing something we know is contrary to God’s Holy Scriptures, moral values, character, and integrity? We can be like Peter, drawn step by step into a deeper compromise of our faith until we find ourselves denying our Lord.

In times like this, God, in His mercy, can send us a “rooster’s crow” to remind us how far we have fallen away from Him and how we need His grace to return to His service. Peter’s denials and failures did not place him beyond redemption. In John 21, Peter received Jesus’ grace and repented, and was restored and recommissioned by the Lord.

Have we heard the rooster crow? Are we heeding its warning?