Mark 14:68-72 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what you say. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.… Why (it may be asked) does the Lord leave His saints and children to themselves, by withdrawing His grace from them, and so suffer them to fall into sin? 1. To correct their carelessness and carnal security. 2. To stir them up to more watchfulness over themselves for time to come, when they know their own weakness. 3. To pull down their pride, and humble them more thoroughly before God (2 Corinthians 12:7). 4. To drive out of them all confidence in themselves, and presumption of their own strength. 5. To make them more compassionate toward others (Luke 22:32). 6. That by this means He may make them examples, and grounds of comfort to other poor sinners. (George Petter.) Parallel Verses KJV: But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. |