“...and Peter.”

Can you imagine what Peter must have felt like after denying Jesus?

Jesus had even warned him: You will deny me three times before the rooster crows. It did happen.

Jesus had offered himself to the soldiers in the Garden, in order that his disciples could be allowed to flee. Peter, who snuck into the High Priest’s house with John and stood with the soldiers warming his hands over the fire, was able see what was happening to Jesus. Not only did he deny him three times; but Peter even swore with an oath to emphasize that he did not even “know the man.” (cf.Mat.26:72,74). Then, after the third denial, he saw Jesus looking his way. He denied the one whom he had confessed as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Oh, what a great grief Peter had added to the Saviour’s sorrow! The eyes of the Saviour spoke of grief, but also of compassion for His sinning disciple. “Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (cf. Luke 22:54-62).

The bitterness of his sorrow, having sinned against His Saviour’s love, must have included the fear that he felt unworthy ever to be considered as one of the Lord’s disciples. How could the Saviour ever be willing to have gracious dealings with him again? To know that the Saviour had died was a great grief. But to be guilty of having sent Jesus to His death with a cowardly denial of Him, that must have left Peter feeling almost hopeless about ever being forgiven. Would he ever be included among the disciples (the church) of Jesus?

But Jesus had given him this hopeful promise: "I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:32).