“‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crow today, you will deny three times that you know me.’”
Luke 22:34
How could Peter suddenly turn on the Lord? The week leading up to the crucifixion had been emotional, climaxing at the Passover meal shared by Jesus and His disciples. Peter must have wondered How could the Messiah allow Himself to be killed? His prediction of Peter’s denial stung. After the meal, they went to Gethsemane to pray, but Peter and the others drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened by a distraught Jesus whose words pierced: “Could you not have prayed and watched?”
It all happened fast. There were soldiers, torches, swords, a kiss of betrayal, adrenaline, more rebuke from Jesus. Peter followed the Roman guard, lingering nearby in a courtyard. And then he crumbled, one bitter denial at a time, until there he stood, realizing what he’d done. Jesus was not far off; their gazes met. Peter ran out and wept bitterly.
He’d bear the scars of his weakness forever, gifts of God’s always-restoring grace. Our world tells us you’re strong; you’ve got this! Real strength is found only in Christ. In our brokenness His power is made perfect.
It all happened fast. There were soldiers, torches, swords, a kiss of betrayal, adrenaline, more rebuke from Jesus. Peter followed the Roman guard, lingering nearby in a courtyard. And then he crumbled, one bitter denial at a time, until there he stood, realizing what he’d done. Jesus was not far off; their gazes met. Peter ran out and wept bitterly.
He’d bear the scars of his weakness forever, gifts of God’s always-restoring grace. Our world tells us you’re strong; you’ve got this! Real strength is found only in Christ. In our brokenness His power is made perfect.
Scripture Focus
Luke 22:54-62
Insight
Look at your Savior who has not turned away from you but has restored you and called you for His kingdom work in this world.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 7
- Psalm 64
- John 5
