It has often been said of the Apostle Peter that no disciple was placed higher than Peter, and almost no disciple fell lower. No one protested loyalty more insistently, yet almost no one denied Jesus more inexcusably. Jesus especially set apart Peter for the important task of establishing the Church. Peter would be the “rock” on which Jesus himself would build the church as the embassy, the ambassadors, of the kingdom of heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and in this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. [Matt 16:18-19] All four gospels share Peter’s denial with varying degrees of detail. But the historically orthodox Christian interpretation of these passages remind us all that we too may fail and deny Jesus if threatened. Peter’s pride was on trial that night. His loyalty to Jesus was tested. Let us remember that Jesus warned Peter that Satan had asked to ‘sift him like wheat.’ “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” [Luke 22:31–32] Then Peter stood boldly before Jesus declaring his allegiance, even to death. Yet just a few hours later, Peter fears for his life and denies being a disciple of Jesus and sat by the fire with those seeking Jesus’ death. Let’s dig into Matthew 26:69–75 & 27:1–2 together and witness Peter’s trial of the soul on that cold and fateful night in Caiaphas’ courtyard.