June 25, 2010
Rooster of disappointment
Mark 14:66-72
Tim Slaughter
Central Truth
It is far easier to profess self-discipline than it is to practice it.
Key Verse | Mark 14:72
And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep. (Mark 14:72b)
Mark 14:66-72
Peter Denies Jesus
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway 1 14:68 Or forecourt and the rooster crowed. 2 14:68 Some manuscripts omit and the rooster crowed 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. 3 14:72 Or And when he had thought about it, he wept
Dive Deeper | Mark 14:66-72
What is it about our human condition that makes it so hard to maintain discipline? Earlier in the evening before Christ's arrest, Peter swore, "Even though all may fall away, yet I will not." (14:29) I can relate because I, too, have often made bold promises. Convicted of a need for change in some area in my life, I make a vow to myself, only to fall short and feel guilty again. Most recently, after losing my job, I vowed that I would not cope with the anxiety by stress eating. I woke up six weeks after losing my job about 10 pounds heavier. That entire time I knew what I was doing, but I put blinders on and blocked out those promptings from God to make different choices. Like Peter when he began to weep, I felt intense shame and guilt.
My lack of discipline and my tendency to turn my back on God do not produce a fulfilled inner life. Such a life comes only when I finally come to the Lord, repent, and resume my walk with Him. How many times do I need to repeat this maddening cycle to learn that I cannot keep these promises on my own? But I realize that I am not unique: this struggle is a common condition to man. Paul sums this up in Romans when he writes, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25a). Paul realized that self-discipline wasn't enough. The power to perform the discipline comes through Christ.
The crow of the rooster was a reminder to Peter that he had broken his oath, just like the Budget Bird in our family reminds us that we have departed from our budget. I feel so blessed when I heed warnings and promptings before I let myself break the promises that I have made. I am thankful that I have Christ in me and a community of believers around me to help show me the right path.
Discussion Questions
1. What vows or promises have you made? Is there a "bad egg" that you need to confess and return to Him? (1 John 1:9)
2. Do you hear that bird crowing in the distance? What warning or reminder are you ignoring right now? (Proverbs 16:25)
3. Have you shared your struggles with those who hold you accountable? (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think you would do if you were in Peter’s shoes?
2. Why do you think Peter denied knowing Jesus?
3. Remember in Mark 14:27-31. What was Peter’s response when Jesus said he would deny Him? Peter loved Jesus, but at that moment was more concerned about his own safety than denying his friend. What can you do to prepare yourself to be bold and claim Jesus as your Savior, even if it means others being against you?