After Jesus is arrested, Peter follows at a distance into the courtyard associated with the high priest’s residence.

He sits among servants and guards while Jesus is being questioned inside.

A servant girl recognizes Peter as someone who was with Jesus. Peter denies it.

Another accusation follows. Again Peter insists that he does not know Jesus.

Those nearby become increasingly certain, identifying Peter’s accent or his connection with the disciples. In John, one of the questioners is related to the man whose ear Peter cut off during the arrest.

Peter denies Jesus a third time, using increasingly forceful language in the Synoptic accounts.

Immediately a rooster crows.

Luke adds a devastating detail: Jesus turns and looks directly at Peter. Peter remembers the prediction made only hours earlier.

He goes outside and weeps bitterly.

The scene ends with Peter in failure rather than restoration. The later Gospel narratives will show him again among the disciples after the resurrection, and John 21 will give special attention to Jesus’ renewed commission to him.