The High Priest and Sanhedrin condemn Jesus (meanwhile Peter denies Him), hand Him over for abuse and then to Pilate; Judas suicides: Mark 14:53–65; Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:66–72; Matthew 26:69–75; Luke 22:54–65; John 18:25–27; Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:3–10

Admit it: would you stand up under intense persecution? Would you be tempted to deny Jesus if your life depended on it? Could you be forgiven if you did? Would it be blaspheming the Holy Spirit?

Well, Peter gave us answer. He denied Jesus, and Jesus didn’t hold that against him.

^{Mark 14:66-72} Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, ‘You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’ … Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And he broke down and wept.