Matthew 26:75

Peter remembered. All too obviously Peter had forgotten Jesus’ repeated warnings, first spoken in the upper room and again on the way to Gethsemane (see on v. 34). The root of his error was in his own self-confidence and boasting (v. 35). Now, too late, he remembered. Unwittingly, he had fulfilled the words of Jesus. Humility and willingness to heed good counsel are often one’s best protection against making foolish blunders.

He went out. That is, out of the courtyard he had entered some two or three hours earlier. According to Luke 22:61 Jesus glanced in the direction of Peter just before he made his hasty departure. After wandering about aimlessly for a time Peter found himself in Gethsemane, on the very spot where his Master had so recently lain prostrate (see DA 713).

Wept bitterly. Or, “burst into tears.” Had Peter been as earnest in heeding Jesus’ admonition to “watch and pray” (v. 41) as he now was in shedding tears for his traitorous words, he would never have uttered them. But though it no doubt seemed to Peter that all was lost — himself included — the Saviour’s love buoyed him up and brought him safely through his tragic experience. So it may be with us. No hour is so dark, no experience of chagrin and defeat so bitter, but that the light of the love of Jesus can strengthen and save. See DA 382.