Definition: And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 26:75. It’s a really dramatic moment in Jesus’s life before his crucifixion. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Story: Jesus is talking to Peter – one of his closest followers – and he says, “Before the cock crows, you must deny me thrice.” Let’s unpack that a little: “Before the cock crows” : This is a very old tradition. It means Jesus was talking about a specific time, likely around midday, when the sun was at its highest point. “Thou shalt deny me thrice” : This is a powerful command. "Thou shalt" means “you must.” It’s a direct instruction – Peter must deny him three times. What happened next? Peter immediately goes out, and he begins to weep bitterly. What does this tell us about Jesus's plan? This is significant because it shows: Jesus was preparing for his sacrifice: This wasn’t a random act of defiance. He knew what was coming – that he would be crucified. He was anticipating his suffering: The weeping indicates deep sorrow and understanding of the pain he was about to endure. It shows his faith: Even in the face of impending death, Peter is still deeply moved and experiencing a profound emotional response. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a sign that Jesus was consciously aware of his fate. It's a moment of intense understanding and acceptance of his destiny – a key step leading up to his crucifixion. In essence, this verse captures a pivotal moment: Jesus knew his sacrifice was coming, and he experienced a deep emotional response to it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for believers today?