Mark 14

“While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s servants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ‘You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus!’ But he denied it: ‘I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about!’ Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.” Mark 14:66-68 (HCSB)

In Hebrew, the word for rooster is “gever,” which is similar to “gevura,” meaning constriction or restraint. In Jewish tradition, the rooster is also a symbol of new beginnings. Early in the morning, it is the rooster’s call that serves as the alarm clock, arousing man from his peaceful sleep, bidding him to begin his day’s work.

When Peter denies Jesus, the first crow of the rooster can be taken to symbolize his turning away from the Lord but not necessarily his disbelief. It is a stark contrast to Peter’s earlier statements of faith! Peter’s betrayal was in response to Satan’s vicious attack against his flesh.

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

Jesus knew that Peter would turn away, but He also knew the effectiveness of His prayers to the Father! Jesus was sure Peter would learn his lesson, and having done so, Peter would become the most effective Kingdom-builder among the original disciples.

Those who are reckless with their faith generally sin impetuously. Peter allowed himself to be constricted/restrained by the enemy’s pressure to the point where he acted against his personal beliefs. Self-preservation overrode faithful conviction. As a boa snake restrains its prey by constricting it, Satan squeezes Peter for the kill.

“Then he started to curse himself and swear with an oath, ‘I don’t know the man you’re talking about!’ Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’ When he thought about it, he began to weep.” Mark 14:71-72 (HCSB)

The second crowing of the rooster denotes a New Beginning for Peter. It is where he became profoundly aware of the gravity of his sin. With the rooster’s second crow, Peter’s heart changes from a mode of self-preservation to deep remorse over his self-absorption. Sadly, with morning came the end of the Sanhedrin’s search for testimonial evidence. Peter had lost his opportunity to defend Jesus at His trial.

Let’s consider today’s passage as an exhortation: Never be afraid to share your faith, regardless of social, economic, or personal consequences. Every day is a new beginning and presents us with myriads of opportunities to debunk the World’s testimony against the Messiah! Also, remember we serve a Messiah who knows our shortcomings. He sees sin before it happens, intercedes for us, and is faithful and just to forgive us and use us again.