Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee that this night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Hey listeners, this is Nick from Scripture Central, and today's podcast addresses the question.

Why did Peter deny knowing Jesus?

Following the institution of the sacrament in the upper room at the Last Supper, Jesus offered several final instructions to his disciples.

While John devotes the most time and attention to these final, intimate

moments of Christ's life, all four Gospels agree on one aspect of these final instructions.

Jesus solemnly told his disciples that he would be seemingly abandoned that night by these chosen

apostles, including Peter. All ye shall be offended because of me this night, the Savior told them.

For it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered

abroad.

Peter, clearly distraught at the prospect, exclaimed in response,

though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

And John records him giving an even stronger response, I will lay down my life for thy sake.

However, Jesus replied that even Peter would deny him three times before the night had ended.

This prophecy can be interpreted in many ways, as can the reason

why Peter would have denied Jesus in such a crucial hour. Specifically, some Latter-day Saint

commentators have wondered whether Jesus was issuing a command to Peter. Eric D. Huntsman has

explored this event, as it is portrayed in all four Gospels, offering

significant insights into what could have occurred on that fateful night.

All four Gospels use a form of the word are Neomai, meaning repudiate, disown, or disclaim

association with someone or something. Only Matthew and Mark use the future tense

...