Read Matthew 26:72-75

He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"

After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away."

Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Reflect

Peter is afraid. Jesus is about to be crucified, and Peter could be next. No wonder he denies even knowing Jesus, let alone being one of his disciples. Yet Jesus' execution, which would take place in a few hours, was for Peter, the cowardly denier, as much as it was for you and me. When we deny being a follower of Jesus through our words or actions, he doesn't stop loving us. He died for us while we were still his enemies.

Respond

Jesus, your unconditional love for me covers even the worst of my sins. Thank you that you could not love me more than you do at this very moment. Thank you that you will never love me less. Amen.