The Denial of Peter

In Matthew 26:69–75, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times while waiting in the courtyard during Jesus’ trial. Each denial grows more emphatic, culminating in Peter swearing he doesn’t know Him. Immediately after the third denial, a rooster crows—just as Jesus had predicted. Realizing what he’s done, Peter is overwhelmed with remorse and weeps bitterly. This moment powerfully illustrates human frailty, the sting of failure, and the beginning of Peter’s journey toward repentance and restoration.