Judas and Simon Peter (2) - Simon Peter

Monday March 15, 2021

Jesus said to him (to Peter) : Truly I say to you, this very night, before the rooster crows three times, you will deny me. Peter answered him : Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you. Matthew 26.34.35

So he (Pierre) began to swear... : I don't know this man. Immediately a rooster crowed. Matthew 26. 74

Judas and Simon Peter (2) - Simon Peter

Like Judas, Simon Peter was personally chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10. 2-4). He recognized himself as a sinner (Luke 5. 8), and discerned in Jesus "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16. 16). He had a personal connection with Jesus, he had believed in him, and recognized him as his teacher, which was never the case with Judas.

Strong in his love for Jesus, Simon however had confidence in himself to follow him. When Jesus warns him that he is going to deny him the following night, Simon forcefully asserts the contrary. In this grim night when Jesus is in the hands of his enemies, betrayed and handed over by Judas, Simon's courage abandons him and he denies his Lord three times : "I do not know this man", even swearing.

Jesus, overwhelmed with mockery and false accusations, does not forget Simon. At this very moment, he turns and looks at him. Simon understands his fault. Repentant, he weeps bitterly (Luke 22. 54-62). He knows he is still loved by Jesus and he is not going to hang himself like Judas. No, he's dealing with Jesus, not Satan ! Jesus had prayed for him in advance, so that his faith would not fail (Luke 22, 31, 32). His loving and sad gaze proves to Simon that Jesus does not deny him ! This look will prevent her from sinking into despair.

After his resurrection, Jesus will appear to Simon Peter alone, without a witness. He remains his disciple. Later, Jesus still takes care of him. He publicly entrusts to him the care of the lambs and sheep of his flock - small and large who will believe in Jesus (John 21).

Source (The Good Seed)