Mark 14:67

And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

And {G2532} when she saw {G1492} Peter {G4074} warming himself {G2328}, she looked {G1689} upon him {G846}, and said {G3004}, And {G2532} thou {G4771} also {G2532} wast {G2258} with {G3326} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3479}.

saw Kefa warming himself, took a look at him, and said, "You were with the man from Natzeret, Yeshua!"

and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.”

and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.

Commentary

Mark 14:67 captures the pivotal moment when Peter's loyalty to Jesus is first openly challenged, leading to the fulfillment of prophecy. As Peter warms himself by the fire in the high priest's courtyard, a servant girl recognizes him, initiating his series of denials.

Context

This verse is set in the tense hours following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Jesus was led away to the high priest's palace for an illegal trial, Peter, though afraid, followed at a distance and entered the courtyard, sitting with the servants to warm himself by the fire (Mark 14:54). The atmosphere was charged with hostility towards Jesus and anyone associated with Him. Unbeknownst to Peter, this seemingly innocent act of warming himself would trigger the beginning of the denial Jesus had prophesied earlier that evening.

Key Themes

  • Human Weakness and Fear: Despite Peter's earlier bold declaration that he would never deny Jesus (Mark 14:31), the immediate danger and fear of association with the condemned Jesus cause him to falter. This highlights the reality of human frailty under pressure.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The maid's simple observation directly sets in motion the fulfillment of Jesus' precise prophecy about Peter's three denials before the rooster crowed twice.
  • The Power of Recognition: It is not a powerful official or soldier, but a humble servant girl who first identifies Peter, demonstrating how easily one's identity can be exposed in a hostile environment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common identifier for Jesus, linking Him to His hometown. For many, it simply distinguished Him from others named Jesus. In this context, it serves as a straightforward, undeniable connection that the maid uses to identify Peter's association with the accused Prophet.

Practical Application

Mark 14:67 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Reality of Failure: Even the most devoted followers of Christ can succumb to fear and temptation. Peter's denial is a stark example that even strong faith can be tested and momentarily shaken.
  • The Danger of Compromise: When faced with social pressure or personal danger, it's easy to deny one's faith or association with Christ, even subtly. This verse calls believers to examine their own resolve.
  • God's Grace and Restoration: While this verse captures Peter's fall, it is crucial to remember that his story does not end here. Peter was later wonderfully restored by Jesus (John 21:15-19) and became a pillar of the early church, boldly proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 2:14-41). This offers hope and encouragement that God's grace is sufficient even for our failures.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 14:54

    And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

  • John 19:19

    ¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

  • Acts 10:38

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • Matthew 21:11

    And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

  • Mark 1:24

    Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

  • John 1:45

    Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
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