The rooster's crow is a significant symbol connected to the Passion of Christ through the Apostle Peter's denial of Jesus. Here's the connection:
* Jesus' Prophecy: During the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed twice that night, Peter would deny knowing him three times (Mark 14:30). The Gospel of Matthew and Luke mention that Jesus said Peter would deny him before the rooster crowed.
* Peter's Denial: Later that night, after Jesus' arrest, Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest. As predicted, he denied knowing Jesus three times when questioned.
* The Rooster's Crow: Immediately after Peter's third denial, the rooster crowed. This event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:72, Luke 22:60, John 18:27).
* Peter's Remorse: Upon hearing the rooster crow, Peter remembered Jesus' words and was overcome with deep regret and sorrow (Luke 22:61-62).
Symbolic Significance:
* Fulfillment of Prophecy: The rooster's crow serves as a stark reminder of the accuracy of Jesus' prophecies.
* Human Weakness: Peter's denial highlights the fallibility and weakness of even the most devoted followers of Jesus.
* Repentance and Forgiveness: Peter's subsequent remorse and eventual reinstatement by Jesus symbolize the possibility of redemption and forgiveness, even after significant failures.
* The Passion Narrative: The rooster and Peter's denial are integral parts of the Passion narrative, emphasizing the human drama and emotional turmoil surrounding Jesus' suffering and death.
So, the rooster's crow is inextricably linked to the story of Peter's denial, which is a key element of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. The rooster, therefore, becomes a potent symbol of prophecy, human frailty, repentance, and the redemptive power of forgiveness within the Christian narrative of the Passion of Christ.