Why do we get Peter's denial?

Why do we get Peter's denial?

In Mark's Gospel we get a series of events that I find interesting.  Mark by many accounts appears to be handing down the preaching, sermons, memories, teachings, and eyewitness account of Peter.  Numerous accounts and commentaries point out the tradition that Mark accompanied both Paul and Peter.  Countless details in Mark are affirmed and confirmed by the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.  In a number of other places and studies we get the distinct impression that nothing in the Gospel of Mark is left to chance. Main threads have purpose, urgency, and a dedication to the picture of Jesus as Messiah, the coming of the kingdom, the need for salvation, and the perfect character of Christ -[ reference].  Even the details of numbers, names, places, people, towns and areas all have a purpose.

In this background I found it even more interesting to note that Peter's denial is captured in the story.  Peter is teaching and recounting the stories of three or more years with Jesus.  Why not edit out the bad stuff?  Sure, Luke points out Peter's issues and Matthew too.  Perhaps Matthew, as the tax collector turned disciple, is writing from his own memory and therefore includes the story.  Maybe Luke investigated enough; spoke to some of the others, talked to Mary, or whatever and includes the story as a part of the accurate re-telling.  But why would Peter re-count and re-tell his story and include such a low point, such a moment of weakness and desertion?  Why do we get Peter's denial in all of the Gospel stories and especially in the one so closely linked to Peter's own testimony?

Keys reasons:

1. Its the truth
2. To explain, share, teach and deliver a glimpse into the infinite and unfathomable love and grace of Christ.  
3. To help us relate and receive the "east to west" type of forgiveness that has been given to us as it was also given to Peter.

First, simply put the story is here because it is the truth.  Yes, Peter was bold and a water walker, but he was also a human.  In a moment of fear and confusion, where dreams were being dashed, hopes were falling, and everything he thought he understood was being turned upside down, Peter denied Jesus.  He denied he knew him, denied he followed him, and denied that he was the promised and hoped for Messiah.  "I am not," "I was not," "I do not know the man," were his declarations.  

Second, the story is here because it shows the depth of God's love.  After Peter's denial we see him in shame, going back out of the courtyard bawling and weeping. Like other authors like Max Lucado have suggested, this isn't a few tears streaming down.  No, Peter is bawling!  Tears are streaming down his face.  He has that nasty runny nose going, and I even imagine that his tears have soaked his robe and his eyes are bloodshot red.  If you can remember your days as a child, I imagine that with each tear is a heavy sob, a deep breath and a flood of emotion.  Why?  He had promised, and he had failed.  He had been bold on the road, but a coward in the face of the maiden who said, "Aren't you one of them?"  But, the story doesn't end here.  Instead the story continues with Peter seeing the empty tomb, beholding the risen Christ, and jumping out of the boat to meet Christ on the shore.  The story doesn't end with the denial.  Instead the story continues on to the point where Peter is reaffirmed as a disciple and apostle, and as a shepherd of the church.  The story even continues with Peter ministering, healing and spreading the Gospel to Gentiles.  In fact, the story goes on until Peter willing goes to his death for the Lord and Savior that he loves.   The story is here to show us just how deep and amazing God's love really is.  Can you imagine forgiving your friend who did to you what Peter did?  There are people right now who won't forgive someone for taking the last cookie, and would never consider forgiving a friend who deserted you in your time of need.  But that is what makes Him our Savior.  He does what we cannot and often are not willing to do.  He did it for Peter, and by doing it for Peter he showed us just how strong his love is.

Third, because just like Peter we are one who had seen and failed to understand, when the wheels fall off we reach for swords instead of Christ.  Just like Peter, we are asleep when we should have been up.  And just like Peter, in the dark when the fire is around and the interrogation begins we betray him too.  We promise never to ______________________ (fill in the blank).  And yet before the words are even dry on the page, or have fallen too far from our lips we find ourselves guilty.  I will never lie again, oops!  I will never have another drink, oops!  I will never get angry again, oops!  I will kick this habit, oops!  I will break it off with him/her, oops!  I will _________________, oops!  We too know what it is like to be bold like Peter.  We too know what it is like to make promises like Peter.  We too know what it is like to think we can do it, plan to do it, promise to do it, and yet fail miserably.  So, why do we get Peter's denial?

Peter's story is told mostly because we need to know that He still loves us too!