20th July 2023
Forgiven denial
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
Matthew 26: 34 (NIV)
After listening to a recent message in our church, I got to thinking about cockerels and their long association with church steeples – had I particularly noticed the cockerels on many of the old church spires? Why are they there? And they are not just here in Britain but in other parts of Europe and elsewhere too. Well, partly thanks to google, answers are available.
Historically many early church buildings had weathervanes to show the direction of the wind. After all it made sense as they were placed on the tallest buildings – churches. The addition of the rooster or cockerel goes back to the tenth century or possibly even the sixth century in some instances. Pope Nicholas 1, in the ninth century, decreed that every church in Europe should have a rooster on its steeple as a reminder of Jesus, Peter’s denial, and the events leading to his crucifixion as recounted in Luke 22:34: ‘Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” ’
The cockerel is also a symbol of the rising sun, the arrival of day (light) after night (darkness). It also serves as a visual reminder to hold firm in beliefs and conviction, to keep the faith – to remain faithful to Christ always. The iconic symbol of the cockerel may serve to remind us of Peter’s denial and the events leading to the crucifixion of Christ, but, of course, that is a painful part of a bigger narrative. As we know Jesus came to pay the penalty for all of our sins, offering hope for all mankind. Peter’s denial (and ours) is not the end of the matter. Remember, believers find forgiveness in the risen Christ.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us: ‘Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.’ (Hebrews 4:14). The next time you see the cockerel on a church spire it might be worth a pause for thought: Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour who died for us. Forgiven denial. That’s some pause, that’s some thought.
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Redeemer and King. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Study by Kevin Harris
About the writer:
Kevin Harris attends the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford
Herts.
WD24 7HF
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church