Remorse is a profound feeling of regret and sorrow for one's actions, often accompanied by a desire for repentance and reconciliation. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter provides a poignant example of remorse, particularly in the events surrounding his denial of Jesus Christ.

Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and became a leading figure among the Twelve Apostles. Known for his fervent devotion and impulsive nature, Peter often acted as the spokesperson for the group. Despite his strong declarations of loyalty, Peter's human frailty was revealed during the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

The Gospels recount that during the Last Supper, Jesus foretold Peter's impending denial. In Matthew 26:34 , Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Peter, confident in his own strength, vehemently insisted, "Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You" (Matthew 26:35).

However, as Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest's courtyard, Peter followed at a distance. There, he faced the pressure of being associated with Jesus. In a moment of fear and weakness, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as recorded in Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-18, 25-27. Immediately after his third denial, a rooster crowed, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.

The Gospel of Luke provides a particularly vivid account of Peter's remorse. After the rooster crowed, "The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61-62). This moment of eye contact with Jesus pierced Peter's heart, leading to an overwhelming sense of guilt and sorrow.

Peter's remorse was not merely an emotional response but marked the beginning of his repentance and restoration. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples, offering forgiveness and reaffirming Peter's role in the early Church. In John 21:15-17, Jesus thrice asked Peter if he loved Him, mirroring the three denials. Each time, Peter affirmed his love, and Jesus commissioned him to "Feed My sheep," signifying his restored position and responsibility.

Peter's experience of remorse and subsequent restoration highlights the themes of human weakness, divine forgiveness, and the transformative power of repentance. His account serves as a powerful reminder of the grace available to all who turn back to God in genuine contrition. Through his remorse, Peter was not only restored but also strengthened to become a foundational leader in the early Christian Church, boldly proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding the flock of believers.Matthew 26:75
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said to him, Before the cock crow, you shall deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Nave's Topical Index

The Denial of St. Peter
... This look of our Lord pierced Peter to the very heart,"it recalled to his ... His feelings
of remorse were beyond expression; he returned to the exterior court ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter x the denial of.htm

67689:67697 the Rebuke of Peter
... which nature pleads, as Jesus heard His own nature pleading when Peter spoke. ...
irritability, and the drunkard's resort to stimulants, are due to remorse and self ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 32 - 9 1 the.htm

Remorse and Suicide of Judas.
... Remorse and Suicide of Judas ... The field of blood.) [This parenthesis contains the
words of Luke inserted in the midst of a speech made by Simon Peter to explain ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxii remorse and suicide of.htm

Peter Alone with Jesus
... He knew of Peter's penitence, if I might so say, in the grave; and, therefore ... more
ashamed of himself than he had ever been in the hours of bitterest remorse? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/peter alone with jesus.htm

The Lame Man Cured by Peter and John.
... hearts of the Jews were in a state susceptible of the feelings of remorse and fear ...
Accordingly, it appears that Peter did not speak to them in vain; for we are ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iv the lame man.htm

In the High Priest's Palace
... In the very floodtide of Peter's oaths, the shrill cock-crow is heard, and at the
sound the half-finished ... They save from remorse, which has no healing in it. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/in the high priests palace.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, "Before the
cock crow twice thou shalt deny me thrice.". ... THE REMORSE OF JUDAS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

The Lame Man at the Temple Gate.
... the needy to the charity of others, when suddenly it occurs to Peter that, after ...
His feelings were akin to the remorse of those who imagine that their day of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the lame man at the.htm

"Why Weepest Thou?"
... "Tell His disciples and Peter," the angels said. Since the death of Christ,
Peter had been bowed down with remorse. His shameful ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 82 why weepest thou.htm

A Great Fall and a Great Recovery
... Peter and Judas both 'went out'; the one 'went out and hanged himself,' because
his ... a faith in his Master's love, and his repentance was only remorse; and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a great fall and a.htm

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