When the Rooster Crows
- Redemptive Recovery
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
April 18
"One of the slaves of the high priest, who was related to the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him?’ Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed."
(John 18:26-27)
Peter had been so sure of his loyalty. Just hours earlier, he told Jesus he would lay down his life for Him. But now, in the flickering firelight of a courtyard, Peter denied even knowing Jesus; not once, but three times. And just as Jesus foretold, the rooster crowed.
This moment pierces the heart. Peter, bold and passionate, fell to fear and self-preservation. He denied the One he loved. Yet what makes this moment even more powerful is what it leads to: restoration. Jesus knew Peter would fail, and yet He still chose him. He still loved him. And later, He would tenderly restore him (John 21).
The rooster’s crow wasn’t just a sound of failure; rather, it was a call back to Jesus.
For many of us who have struggled with addiction, or other self-defeating behaviors, Peter’s failure can feel all too familiar. We’ve made promises we didn’t keep. We've let fear win, turned back to old patterns, and denied the very truth we once clung to. But the story doesn’t end with the rooster’s crow. Moments like this act as opportunities for the grace of God to penetrate our heart's and lives.
The rooster’s crow wasn’t just a sound of failure; rather, it was a call back to Jesus. A moment of truth that led to repentance, and eventually, a new beginning. Peter's life wasn’t defined by this moment of denial, but by the love and mercy of the Savior.
Have you heard the rooster crow in your own life? How have you responded when confronted by your own moments of failure?
Lord, thank You that my failures do not define me. When I fall, help me turn back to You. Thank You for Your grace that restores and Your love that never lets go. Use even my mistakes to draw me closer and make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.
Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.
