Cockadoodledoo!

For Friday, February 27, 2026:

John 13:37-38 NLT: “’But why can’t I come now, Lord?’ Simon Peter asked. ‘I’m ready to die for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’”

Everything happened just like Jesus predicted. It might have happened like this:

Guards: “We’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth.”

Simon Peter: “Haven’t seen the guy.”

G: “We heard he was around here.”

SP: “To tell the truth, I’m not sure I’ve ever met the guy!”

G: “I thought I saw you with him earlier today.”

SP: “Couldn’t have been me. I just got here.”

Rooster: “Cockadoodledoo!”

Some attribute this to a lack of faith in Peter, but I believe it’s more a matter of self preservation. If Peter had admitted he was a close friend of Jesus, the bad guys would probably have arrested him, and the way things were going, Peter could have died on a cross right next to Jesus. God couldn’t have Peter dying right away. God (and Jesus) had already identified Peter as the point person for The Way, the church resulting from Jesus’ teaching.

It’s Peter’s impulsive willingness to jump right in and get things done that fill out his leadership profile. We need leaders like that nowadays. Some people drag their feet, working out every last detail before they even start God’s project. They may never get it started. Peter would dive in the deep end, and later adjust if need be. He may not be perfect, but at least he’s in motion.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter whether we’re moving forward to the north-west or the north-east, as long as we’re moving forward!!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church