Three times Peter had an opportunity to acknowledge his association with Jesus. Three times Peter chose to deny Him. It might be easy to compare his actions to those of Judas, but there’s a huge difference here: Judas planned his betrayal and, even though he later regretted his decision, never repented of it; Peter reacted to the moment without premeditation, and afterward he was a broken man, overcome with grief and self-recrimination. Peter’s reaction is appropriate. Denial should bring grief. Grief should bring repentance. Repentance should lead to change. We know from reading the rest of the New Testament that Peter did change. Never again did he back down from sharing about the One whom he knew was the Messiah. May I be bold like Peter in the face of conflict.