⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”^(A) Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’^[a](A) For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”^(B)

¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”^(A)

²⁹ Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

³⁰ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice^[a] you yourself will disown me three times.”^(A)

³¹ But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you,^(B) I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

Peter Disowns Jesus^(A)

⁶⁶ While Peter was below in the courtyard,^(B) one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. ⁶⁷ When she saw Peter warming himself,^(C) she looked closely at him.

“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,”^(D) she said.

⁶⁸ But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,”^(E) he said, and went out into the entryway.^[a]

⁶⁹ When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” ⁷⁰ Again he denied it.^(F)

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”^(G)

⁷¹ He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”^(H)

⁷² Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.^[b] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice^[c] you will disown me three times.”^(I) And he broke down and wept.

³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”^(A)

Peter Disowns Jesus^(A)

⁵⁴ Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest.^(B) Peter followed at a distance.^{(C) 55} And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. ⁵⁶ A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

⁵⁷ But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

⁵⁸ A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

⁵⁹ About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”^(D)

⁶⁰ Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹ The Lord^(E) turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”^(F)

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.^(A)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(A) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(B)—of whom I am the worst.