⁶¹ The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” ⁶² And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62 NIV)

Picture a hale and hearty Peter, with muscles bulging from hauling in huge nets full of fish.  This was a strong man with strong opinions, who was very confident in his ability to do what he set out to do.  And somehow he set out to follow Jesus with that same brashness and self-confidence.

Then his new world with Jesus began to fall apart. Yet he still remained bluff and determined.  In fact, at one point toward the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, Peter had just said that he was ready to go to prison with or even to die for Him when Jesus predicted Peter’s denial. Before the rooster crows…