Episode 36: Peter’s Denial – What Was He Thinking?

Take a deep dive into Laurie's favorite Bible character -- Simon Peter -- one of Jesus's strongest supporters, who in his moment of weakness, denies even knowing Jesus during the terrible time of his arrest, torture and crucifixion.  Why did Peter do it, and how do we, in our moments of weakness as humans, do the same thing?  And how does our Lord respond?

Laurie's guest Josine Young joins us for a conversation on this interesting topic.  Josine is an avid traveler, a faithful follower of Jesus and a fun neighbor and friend!

Transcript

0:01

Hi, I'm your host Lori Larson, and this is the year I read the Bible. Welcome a Lifelong Christian. I thought I was familiar with the Bible, but in 2023 I accepted the challenge of reading the whole thing, cover to cover. Whenever I encountered something I didn't understand or wanted to learn more. I jotted it down, but I kept reading to stay on schedule. Then I reached the end Imagine Confetti rating down on me, and a huge sigh of relief. I had 40 topics to research in 2024. I started diving into all those topics. I did research, I wrote blogs and I shared them with whoever might wanna learn too. And in 2025, the project continues. I published a book containing all my essays, and now a podcast. Is there something you can learn from that dusty book that sits on all of our shelves? Yes. Yes, there is. Let's dive into The year I read the Bible. Hello listeners, this is Lori and I'm here with you today for a new episode of the year. I read the Bible. This one is called Peter's Denial. What was he thinking? I have said before that Peter, of all the people in the Bible, holds a really special place in my heart. I love Peter. But yeah, Peter was the one. Who Jesus predicted at the last Supper that someone would deny him three times before the cock crowed twice. And it was Peter, and of course Peter didn't believe him. But let me get into the essay and then we will get on, with more discussion. Here we go. Although the 12 disciples don't fully understand or accept it, Jesus knows things are getting real at what has come to be called the Last Supper. We've seen that Jesus predicts Judases betrayal of him, but he also makes another prediction. Peter's denial. Mark 1427 through 31 reads, you will all fall away. Jesus told them, but after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter declared, even if all fall away, I will not. Truly, I tell you, Jesus answered today. Yes, tonight before the rooster crows twice. You yourself will disown me three times, but Peter insisted emphatically, even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you. And all the others said the same new international version. Oh, Peter is so sure, so emphatic. He spent three years of his life following Jesus, being exposed to amazing and dangerous and miraculous things. He's been named by Jesus to be the rock upon which his church will be built. And he learned a painful lesson about standing in the way of God's plan for Jesus. Now, he's proclaiming loyalty all the way till death if needed, but unfortunately, Jesus is right. Of course he is. And Peter does deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows twice in Mark 1567. One of the servant girls of the high priest recognized him. Verse 68 says, but he denied it. I don't know or understand what you're talking about. He said, and went out into the entryway. That same servant girl pointed him out to those standing around, and this time he denied it in front of the onlookers. In verse 70, after a little while, those standing near said to Peter, surely you are one of them for you are a Galilean. Peter began to call down curses, and he swore to them, I don't know this man you're talking about Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. When Peter recalled Jesus's prediction, he broke down and wept. It's not. Necessarily unbelievable that Peter denied having anything to do with Jesus when faced with the possibility of arrest and crucifixion himself. I mean, he is human and therefore wrought with weakness, but it sure is perplexing that at this stage of the ministry having spent day in. And day out with Jesus for three years, learning firsthand everything he was teaching that Peter would do this, isn't it? The website got questions, addresses the reason behind Peter's denial. This way. A reason for Peter's failure was fear to his credit, although all the others had fled. As shown in Mark 1450. Peter still followed Jesus after his arrest, but he kept his distance so as not to be identified with him. Mark 14, verse 54. There's no question that fear gripped him. From the courtyard, he watched Jesus being falsely accused, beaten and insulted. Peter was afraid Jesus would die, and he was fearful for his own life as well. The world hated Jesus, and Peter found that he was not prepared to face the ridicule and persecution that Jesus was suffering earlier. Jesus had warned his disciples as well as us today. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Matthew 24, verse nine. Peter quickly found he wasn't nearly as bold and courageous as he had proclaimed and in fear. He denied the one who loved him. And end quote, I suppose it's easy for us modern Bible readers to cast judgment on Peter in his weakness. But honestly, what would we have done in the same situation? Mark chapter 14, verse 50 tells us the remaining 10 disciples besides Judas had fled the scene when Jesus was arrested, seeking safety from a distance. Peter was the number one disciple, the leader of the team, and he at least accompanied Jesus after his arrest, even if he could simply keep an eye on him from a distance. His fear kept him from being loyal to his teacher, and in his panic, he declared that he didn't know Jesus in order to not suffer the same fate. But have no fear. The story circles around from something terrible to something wonderful. God's perfect plan emphasizes that despite our own human weaknesses, failures and sins, Jesus Christ is eager to forgive us and restore our relationship with him. John Chapter 21 verses 15 through 19 brings Peter's three time denial around full circle. At this point, Jesus's empty tomb has been discovered and he was presenting himself to Mary Magdalene. And the disciples, Simon Peter, was out fishing with little luck with friends, and the risen Jesus standing on the shore shouts out to them to put the nets on the other side of the boat. They did, and the catch was so huge they were unable to haul in the net. Ring any bells? Yes, because Jesus did this same exact miracle in Luke chapter five when he first recruited Peter, then named Simon to be a disciple. The fact that Jesus did the same miracle with Peter after his death and resurrection, and especially with Peter feeling horrible, that he'd betrayed his Lord is a glimpse. Of the forgiveness that Jesus will offer and the amazing role that Peter will move forward to play in Jesus's expanding church. Can you imagine how ecstatic Peter is? Jesus is back. He's performed a miracle, and maybe Peter's mistake isn't the end of his close relationship with Jesus after all, then Jesus uses a technique. To drive the message home. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. Let's read it in John. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon, Peter, Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these? Yes Lord. He said, you know that I love you. Jesus said, feed my lambs again. Jesus said, Simon, son of John, do you truly love me? He answered, yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus said, take care of my sheep. The third time he said to him, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, do you love me? He said, Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you. Jesus said, feed my sheep. Then he said to him, follow me. Peter's failure leads to forgiveness and a beautiful restoration. In Jack Ava's article, Peter denies knowing Jesus. We read, quote, this gentle exchange between Jesus and Peter showed that the apostle was forgiven and restored to his place of leadership. Three times Peter had denied the Lord. Now three times he affirms his love for Jesus. Likewise, three times the Lord. Commissions Peter to care for the flock. The Lord's command to Peter to take care of his sheep meant that Peter had been fully forgiven and restored. No matter what mistakes we make in the past, no matter how far we fall, Jesus wants to restore us to a place of trust. After Peter's denial, the Lord lovingly forgave and restored him to a place of trust. Do you feel like you failed the Lord so miserably that there's no hope for you? Let Peter's story encourage you, no matter how far you've fallen or how deep your shame, Jesus will forgive and restore you and give you a purpose in his service. End quote. This story fills my heart with hope and joy. I hope it does yours too. I encourage you to think about mistakes you've made in your life that might be holding you back in your relationship with Jesus. You know, he will forgive you and remove whatever barriers have formed between the two of you. He's waiting for you to ask. Let's pray now. Dear Lord, thank you for giving us this story of you and Peter. Despite the mistakes he made, you forgave him and welcomed him back into your kingdom and the circle of your love, please forgive us for all those times we've denied you or disappointed you or didn't represent you in our own lives. Please help us to remember to feed and take care of your sheep. Amen. And now, listener, please stay tuned. I have a, new guest to introduce to you, one of my good friends and neighbors, and I think you'll enjoy our chat.

Laurie 13:12

Listeners, we are back and I am here with a very special guest. She is someone that lives in my neighborhood. We are both retired from our colder weather in our normal homes. We've retired to the sunny, beautiful South Carolina low country, and we were just. Happy and lucky enough to be placed in the same neighborhood. We have a very social neighborhood and we are both involved in book club and Bunco and all the good stuff that we do. So I wanna introduce her, but I also want her to take a moment to introduce herself. Her name is Josephine Young. Welcome Josephine.

Josine 13:57

you Lori Thank you It is so nice to be here Thank you I appreciate you inviting me

Laurie 14:02

Oh, I'm so glad you said yes. It didn't take me long after getting to know you to realize that you just have a beautiful faith. Such, of course, a happy and exciting personality. And I knew we would have a great conversation, on the podcast. So why don't you start. By telling us a little about yourself, and then also how you and I became acquainted with each other. Well, I kind of gave that one away. We met in our neighborhood, but go ahead.

Josine 14:31

okay John and I have been blessed to live in your neighborhood It's gonna be two years and we left freezing cold New York and we left our daughter in New York with my son-in-law and we have a son and daughter-in-law in Florida So we're right in a two hour commute via plane in both directions which is awesome

Laurie 14:52

That's nice.

Josine 14:53

I in my full-time life I was a paralegal in New York City And I've been diagnosed with incurable blood cancer just over 11 years ago and I'm living my life Just loving life

Laurie 15:09

Oh my gosh. Now, so let me follow up on two things. One is you were a paralegal in New York City. I don't think I knew that. Did you work on any like renowned cases that we would've heard of?

Josine 15:22

no Nothing like that

Laurie 15:23

And if you did, would you have been able to tell us about it?

Josine 15:26

No I couldn't tell you

Laurie 15:30

So did you have to go to court in the city and, okay.

Josine 15:33

and estates so we just had big name

Laurie 15:36

Uh,

Josine 15:36

that the lawyers that

Laurie 15:37

yeah.

Josine 15:38

Had where their legal counsel and they spent a lot of money to be protected with my the legal counsel I worked for

Laurie 15:46

Oh, great. Did, was that a career you enjoyed?

Josine 15:49

Well when I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer So at a crossroad in my life I was found myself jobless at the age of 50 So I went back to school post my bachelor's got a paralegal certificate and that was that Yeah

Laurie 16:05

Well, great. Yeah. I do have several people who picked up paralegal, responsibilities as a second career after their preliminary career. Yeah. They'll always be needed.

Josine 16:17

yes indeed

Laurie 16:19

And also, would you mind sharing with us a little bit more about your illness that you spoke of? What is it and how did you get 11 years in and still healthy?

Josine 16:32

Well I was in the law office and I don't know I was maybe I thought I was getting a little too old for the commute which we Was two hours door to door every day

Laurie 16:42

Oh,

Josine 16:42

directions

Laurie 16:43

oh.

Josine 16:43

So I bent down to pick up a box of legal documents and I felt a pop in my back Lo and behold it was 95 cancer of the plasma cells which is multiple myeloma other words

Laurie 16:58

Oh,

Josine 16:58

of the immune system I Went immediately into the hospital Columbia Presbyterian I had chemotherapy for four months And then I had a stem cell

Laurie 17:09

um.

Josine 17:10

And the doctors gave me two years to live but they didn't know that I know this guy Jesus and I have a purpose And Jesus was gonna just gimme the time I need see my kids graduate through graduate school to see them both get married so yeah I have a lot more to work to do thanks to him

Laurie 17:26

Praise the Lord. So I'm sure there was a lot of prayer involved and a lot of believing in him, healing you.

Josine 17:35

yes yes definitely I am a living miracle and I raised my hand to that Yes

Laurie 17:42

I am so happy because if that hadn't happened, you and I wouldn't be here together today. Well, shall we get into this essay today? It's called Peter's Denial. What was he thinking? I mentioned to you before we came on, peter is my favorite character in the New Testament. And I think I've mentioned this on the podcast before, but Peter, I feel so bad for him. Jesus keeps preparing him for what is ahead and he keeps his head in the clouds and he doesn't believe it. I had a episode a little while ago about when, Jesus was trying to prepare his disciples that. I'm going to be crucified. I'm going to be taken in. And Peter, he fought against it? No, no, no. That's not gonna happen. And Jesus said the famous, get behind me, Satan, he just didn't want to believe it. He wasn't with the program. Ultimately, after Jesus is arrested, he denies even knowing Jesus. Of course, after he does it, he breaks down in tears. So what are your thoughts Josse about Simon Peter in general and his failure to remain faithful to Jesus towards the end?

Josine 18:58

I too I love Peter as well I just really feel that Simon had such a bad rap because he had the weight of the world on his shoulders but then he also had responsibilities As a husband and a son-in-law he was providing for

Laurie 19:12

Mm-hmm.

Josine 19:13

he was He was following Jesus and he didn't

Laurie 19:16

Mm-hmm.

Josine 19:17

going on He was anxious and he was worried and he's just like us We are Peter

Laurie 19:23

Yeah. You know, that's such a good point. And I don't mean to interrupt you, but I read something recently, a bible commentator that had the argument that, a lot of the disciples were in their teens. They were like unencumbered teenagers when they were asked to follow Jesus. And Simon was one of the few, if only. To be married with, more adult responsibilities. So that's very interesting that you brought that up.

Josine 19:51

he

Laurie 19:52

Caveat, I don't know if that's true. That was just one bible commentator's perspective that possibly the disciples were teenagers when Jesus called them

Josine 20:02

And they also

Laurie 20:03

other than people.

Josine 20:04

followed John the Baptist so they didn't even understand this Jesus guy you know

Laurie 20:09

Right. Does it surprise you that as awful as Peter's denial of Jesus was, he was actually the most loyal of the disciples in a way? Mark 1450. It tells us that the remaining disciples had fled the scene when Jesus was arrested seeking safety from a distance. Peter at least accompanied Jesus after his arrest, even if he could simply keep an eye on him from a distance. What are your thoughts on this?

Josine 20:42

he watched closely because that was his best friend and he was afraid He was afraid for himself He was afraid for his fellow brothers So it didn't really surprise me

Laurie 20:51

And I think that as with every other story in the Bible, the Bible is a documentation of things that happened in history, but it's also being read by us thousands of years later and we can learn a lesson from Peter's denial of Jesus. I don't know him. What are you talking about? No, I don't even know him. And then, later, when he did, ask for forgiveness from him, later, but it's a lesson that we can learn from reading the Bible and from reading Peter's story, what do you think of that as Peter, as a teacher? For the rest of us in our faith.

Josine 21:32

as I picture The famous footprints in the sand when even if

Laurie 21:37

Mm-hmm.

Josine 21:38

that Jesus is with you he's with you and Jesus was with them Even though he was abandoned by them at that point I mean everyone was in fear for their own lives and they didn't understand what was going on obviously until he came back

Laurie 21:55

Right. No, they didn't. They had no idea. Even though Jesus had tried to warn them, they weren't really grasping it even at the Last Supper. And Jesus gave that last ditch effort to say, Hey, this is it. This is done. this is my blood. Do this in remembrance of me. You need to remember me'cause I won't be here. They really had no idea. And it's so easy for us as moderns to say how could they not get it? But really if we were there, we probably wouldn't get it either, because. Even if they believed that Jesus was the Messiah, would you really anticipate a plot twist in the story that God would allow his only son to be killed by evil humans?

Josine 22:39

Yeah no definitely

Laurie 22:42

That was a severe plot twist.

Josine 22:43

was Yeah You couldn't even imagine That's mind blowing Yeah

Laurie 22:48

Yeah. Yeah.

Josine 22:49

the whole time I mean obviously for they were devout Jews They were waiting for this promised King but

Laurie 22:56

Yeah.

Josine 22:57

Jesus

Laurie 22:58

Yeah. They expected him to take over the Roman Empire and replace the humanly rule of the land. But then Jesus turns Peter's denial into forgiveness and a beautiful restoration. And I absolutely love the scene of Jesus following his resurrection, seeking Peter out while he's fishing. Probably feeling like a total failure. He has nowhere else to go but back to fishing and. Reinforcing his invitation to Peter to feed his sheep. He asked Peter three times, do you love me to set right? The three times that Peter denied knowing him. What are your thoughts about this beautiful story?

Josine 23:48

I can bring myself right back to that actual location on my second pilgrimage to the Holy Land Right at the Sea of Galilee a statue which I'm gonna show you the picture when I could text it to you later Jesus is commissioning Peter to lead his church to be the rock It's just

Laurie 24:09

Mm-hmm.

Josine 24:09

I I get the chills thinking about it

Laurie 24:11

Wow. Now you said that was your second pilgrimage?

Josine 24:15

went went the

Laurie 24:16

Yes.

Josine 24:16

time in 2000 with my mother-in-law 2013 with my daughter and 2023 with my best friend Donna

Laurie 24:24

Three times. I want to get there so badly. So tell me about this. Did you go with like a tour group

Josine 24:31

was through

Laurie 24:32

of people?

Josine 24:33

Catholic Church was a a tour

Laurie 24:35

Okay.

Josine 24:36

it was was

Laurie 24:36

Yeah. Did you fly there and then did you have like a bus that took you around?

Josine 24:41

Yep And we went to every location every Christian location we went to We went to all the locations too cause we were in the old city of Jerusalem It was awesome It

Laurie 24:50

Oh my gosh. Now what about the Old Testament locations like Mount Sinai and where Abraham was and where David, all that.

Josine 25:01

It was just

Laurie 25:01

Wow.

Josine 25:02

I I would encourage everyone to see that that would be the best gift you can give yourself is to walk the footsteps of Jesus

Laurie 25:10

I definitely wanna do it. I definitely wanna do it now. That region is a little bit unsafe right now with the war and the violence, but let's hope that God will clear that up so that I can get there.

Josine 25:23

They rely on tourism also so it's very sad what's going on When I was

Laurie 25:27

Yeah.

Josine 25:28

2023 it was just a couple months before Latest war broke out And I mean it

Laurie 25:33

Wow.

Josine 25:35

and we were there as well too we couldn't go here today because there was too many bombs We had to go here It was crazy Yeah

Laurie 25:42

Well some,

Josine 25:44

I was not afraid

Laurie 25:44

yeah. That's good. One of my podcast guests, she's been on here twice. She's also the leader of my women in the word Bible study at All Saints Church. Her name's Beth Sprinkle. She, was scheduled to go to, Israel for her tour. and it was canceled because of. The start of the war, the bombings started and it got canceled. She was so heartbroken because it was something she'd been looking forward to for so long. It's really sad. Hopefully we'll all get a chance to go back, but yeah, it's definitely on my bucket list.

Josine 26:23

a fourth time I'll go with you Yeah

Laurie 26:25

Oh, that would be awesome. That would be awesome. You mentioned about Peter being the rock upon which Jesus would build his church. How did Peter fulfill that mission, that Jesus had in mind for him?

Josine 26:43

I think at That point He just when laid that upon him he just accepted it from then on and that was it He was new He was totally forgiven He wasn't ashamed anymore of all his transgressions he was ready He was ready to be the first

Laurie 26:58

Yeah. I noticed in the acts of the apostles, which is all about. The growth of the modern church is up to the followers now to start the actual church structure and grow it. Peter had the distinction of being the one who. Had a dream, from God that basically told him, this is not just for the Jews, this isn't just for my lost sheep from Israel. This is for Gentiles. This is for everyone. And Jews at the time were very, set apart. I don't know if it was in the Torah or in they're religious rules. They're not allowed to eat with Gentiles. They're not allowed to touch cups and plates that Gentiles have used. I mean, they were very, very exclusive among themselves. That was just what they were used to. And according, to this dream that God sent to Peter, that's not true anymore. This new church of Jesus Christ is for everyone. Everyone around the world. So that's a huge, huge accomplishment that Peter had in forming the new church and the way it is now. I mean, he started that and it's still, to this day,

Josine 28:19

Jesus was all

Laurie 28:20

I think I

Josine 28:21

and that's

Laurie 28:22

right. Right, and I think I said in the essay how many billions of Christians there are around the world. What Peter started along with all the others, Luke and John and Paul and Timothy and all of them. It is just amazing how big it is and how exciting to be a part of it.

Josine 28:43

Yeah

Laurie 28:45

Well, Josse, is there anything else that you had on your mind that you wanted to share about Peter or about this episode or anything else in general?

Josine 28:55

I think we covered it all Lori

Laurie 28:57

Okay. Well, listener, I'm gonna shut this down, but I do have another interview with Josse coming up in about a month's time, so we can all look forward to that and stay tuned. Thank you, Josse.

Josine 29:13

Thank you Lori I feel so blessed

Laurie 29:16

Absolutely.

29:20

and that's it for today. Thank you very much for being here with me on the year I read the Bible Podcast. We'll be back with another episode next week. If you enjoy this podcast, please do all the normal things to spread the word like it. Review it, share it with your friends. If you are interested in additional the year, I read the Bible resources such as the book, the video channel, and the blog, I will certainly include the links in the show notes, and I'd love to hear about your own journey to read the Bible cover to cover. Have you done it or are you doing it right now? Please reach out to me and let me know how it's going. Until next time, it's Lori Larson with the year I read the Bible. Bye.