First the servant girl asked Peter if he was one of Jesus' disciples (John 18:16-17). Then a group of servants asked him the same question (John 18:25). Finally a relative of the servant whose ear Peter cut off in the garden asked him if it was Peter whom he saw in the garden. Peter denied it and immediately the rooster crowed ( John 18:27).
At that instant "Peter remembered the words of Jesus "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times". Peter went out and weep bitterly (Matthew 26:75). He had been determined to remain faithful to the Savior, had even brought a sword to fight against overwhelming odds (John 13:37, 18:10). All his enthusiasm for the Lord did not sustain him when he let his life was threatened.
Jesus was not surprised that Peter failed. Remember he not only prophesied this would happen, but he also prayed for Peter that he would recover from his failure (John 13:38, Luke 22:31-32).
If you have failed; if you buckled to the pressure to deny Jesus in one form or another, the Lord knew before it happened that you would travel down that road. He has prayed for you, that you would remember his grace and mercy and be restored to him (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
He has prepared for your restoration (Ephesians 2:1,4,9; Philippians 4:6-7, 12; Romans 14:4; James 4:7-8, 12).
