Definition: And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from Luke 22:34. It’s a really significant moment in Jesus’ ministry and speaks to his control over events and the nature of truth. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Peter, a very close follower, that something will happen – something that will disrupt the peace and authority he has established. He's saying, “I tell you, Peter, this will happen.” And specifically, he’s predicting that Peter will deny (reject) his identity or that he knows Jesus is who he is. Let’s unpack it further: “Luke 22:34” : This is the verse itself – a specific point in time. “And he said…” : Jesus is speaking directly to Peter, emphasizing that this isn't just a casual comment; it's a serious instruction. “I tell thee, Peter…” : This is a command or a declaration of fact. It’s important that Peter hears this as a direct statement from Jesus. “the cock shall not crow this day…” : This is the tricky part! A “cock” isn't a bird. It refers to a rooster – a loud, insistent bird that crows every morning. The verse means this specific rooster will crow . “…before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” : This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying that Peter must deny his identity (say he doesn’t know Jesus) three times before he can be truly and completely sure about who he is. It's a test of truth and faith. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as: Testing Faith: It's a test of Peter’s loyalty and belief in Jesus. It shows that true faith isn’t just believing something, but knowing it with absolute certainty. The Beginning of the End?: Some believe this event was a pivotal moment where Jesus began to reveal his identity as the Messiah – the promised one. It's often seen as the beginning of Jesus’ authority and the end of Jewish religious practices. Why is this verse important? It highlights several key themes in the Gospels: Jesus’ Control: Jesus has a powerful influence over events, and this verse shows his ability to steer things towards a specific outcome. The Importance of Truth: It emphasizes that truth matters – it's not enough to just believe ; you need to know . Divine Judgment: There's an element of judgment involved, as Jesus is testing Peter’s faith and revealing his identity to show the world he is who he claims to be. In short, Luke 22:34 describes a dramatic moment where Jesus tests Peter’s faith by demanding that he deny his identity before he can truly claim divinity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this event? Compare it to other stories about Jesus' testing of people?