"Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Matthew 26:34

            To deny someone once could be a mistake.  Twice an oversight.  Three times shows a deeper commitment to separate oneself from an individual, especially in such a short time.  The depth of the denial is much deeper which means the forgiveness much sweeter.  It’s ironic that Peter, of all people, stood up before the others and stated he would ever deny Christ and then he denied Christ three times.  This was all part of the humbling experience Peter needed to be a leader.  Jesus’ forgiveness of Peter’s sin then becomes three times greater.