Again, Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.
John 18:27
If you live near someone who has a rooster, cock-a-doodle-doo may be the first sound you hear in the morning. But, did you know that welcoming the day is not really what they're doing when they crow?
Roosters are really hung up on their territory. When a rooster wakes up in the morning, he starts cock-a-doodling to let everyone know this is his territory and no one had better come near it.
When Jesus told Peter that he would deny that he knew Christ three times before the rooster crowed the next morning, Peter probably didn't believe him. He believed that he would stick by Jesus no matter what happened. But in fact, he did deny knowing Jesus - not just once. Three times!
The first time to a servant girl. (John 18:17)
The second time to some men who were warming their hands by the fire. (John 18:25)
The third time to a servant of the high priest. (John 18:26)
And then… Cock-a-doodle-doo!
The sound of the crowing must have sent chills down Peter's back. "Jesus was right! I did deny him three times, and now the rooster has crowed!" As much as the rooster's crowing may have caused Peter to cringe, maybe it also reminded him that it was the start of a brand new day.
After refusing to admit that he knew Jesus three times, Peter needed a fresh start, especially with Jesus' crucifiction right around the corner. Psalm 30:5 says,
"His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning."
Every morning is like another second chance. I have had some seriously bad days, when I flop into bed at night and say, "Thank goodness this day is over!" Knowing I will wake up to a brand-new 24 hours fills me with energy and hope.
Action point: Demonstrate for one another your best cock-a-doodle-doo! You get bonus points if you act like a rooster while you do it! If you were Peter, how would you have felt when you heard the rooster crow? Why do you think he denied knowing Jesus? How do we deny Jesus in our lives today? Pray together thanking God for his faithfulness and mercies, which are new every morning.
If you’ve enjoyed this devo, consider having a family date! This date will teach you and your family the significance of Passover!
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