Firing up the braai - 14 October 2026
Imogen Campbell
Peter asked, ,Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.' Then Jesus answered, 'Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times! John 13:37-38, NIV
The South African braai is a bit of an institution; a beloved national past-time that is a source of much pride and delight. But what if Jesus was the “Braai Master”, the one rustling up a quick fish braai?
The incident described in the passage above happened the night of Jesus’ betrayal where John records that Jesus revealed that one of the Twelve would betray him.
Our rather impulsive Peter declared that he would lay down his life for Jesus. But Jesus quickly retorted that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed the following morning.
John 18 reveals how Peter followed Jesus into the courtyard after his arrest and warmed himself at a charcoal fire, only to deny him three times. Luke’s gospel reveals a stunning detail: "Peter replied, 'Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!' Just as he was speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him:'Before the cock crows today, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:60-62)
I cannot imagine the feelings coursing through Peter’s heart as his eyes met Jesus’. How his heart must have been rent when Jesus was crucified; seemingly, there was no chance to make amends.
It is also Luke who records how Peter ran to the tomb after the women informed the Eleven of Jesus’ resurrection. Mark 16:7 stated that the angel at the tomb specifically mentioned Peter who needed to be informed of Jesus’ resurrection. God was sure to include this wayward disciple in need of forgiveness.
In the last chapter of the book of John, there is another charcoal fire; that famous beach braai. The Greek word for this type of fire –ἀνθρακιά (anthrakia) – only occurs in these two instances in the entire Bible.
Notably, there is a miraculous catch of fish once again, mirroring the time when Jesus called Peter to be a disciple – Luke 5:1-8. This time it was how Jesus chose to restore Peter. He asked him to respond to Him three times – one for each denial. And yes, it stung.
Are you quick to make dramatic statements of faith? Are you known as someone who has a “good heart” but is sometimes impetuous and unreliable?
Take heart, this is the story of a man who would become a bed-Rock of the Christian faith. Jesus said it himself, “… you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church …” (Matthew 16:18)
Prayer: Father God, through Jesus, you have shown how much you believe in and love us. Thank you for loving us through thick and thin. Amen.