Peter’s renunciation is the first open denial of Jesus in Mark. The fact that it comes from the chief apostle makes it all the more trenchant. Peter does not face a formal trial, nor is he even questioned directly about his faith. He denies Jesus without ever using his name. Peter’s example is a warning to disciples—then and now—that faithful witness to Jesus is most important (and most easily betrayed) in simple and ordinary actions and words.
