Mark 14:66-72
Q.1. What was Peter doing? Who talked with Him? What was her comment? How did Peter respond? Where did he go? – (Mk.14:66-68)
After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed Him at a distance and was ushered into the High Priest’s courtyard by the apostle John, who was an acquaintance of the High Priest (Mk.14:54 c.f. Jn.18:15-16). Peter was warming himself by the fire in the freezing cold of the night. This cold temperature would have added to the sufferings of the Lord Jesus (Mk.14:66-67 c.f. Jn.18:18). A servant girl who was at the door commented – You also were with Jesus the Nazarene (Mk.14:67). Peter claimed – I neither know nor understand what you are talking about (Mk.14:68). He felt very threatened and moved away to the porch gateway.
Q.2. Who questioned Peter the second time? How did he react? Why was he challenged again? Did the questioner know Peter? – (Mk.14:69-70)
Peter was questioned a second time by a servant girl, perhaps the same one (Mk.14:69 c.f. Mt.26:71). He denied it again … only this time he strengthened his denial with an oath (Mk.14:70 c.f. Mt.26:72). Peter moved further back but his accent gave him away – Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too! (Mk.14:70). The man was certain, – being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off … and he asked – Did I not see you in the garden with Him? (c.f. Jn.18:26).
Q.3. How did Peter react the third time? What made the rooster’s crow significant? Where was Jesus? How did Peter respond? – (Mk.14:71-72)
Peter lost control – I don’t know this man you are talking about! (Mk.14:71). Just then a rooster crowed again even as Jesus had predicted – Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times (Mk.14:72 c.f. Mk.14:30). Luke recorded that at that moment – The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord … and he went out and wept bitterly (c.f. Lk.22:61-62 c.f. Mk.14:72). That look of love from the abandoned Jesus broke Peter’s self-confidence, and his heart (c.f. Mk.14:29).