Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Previously in Mark 14, Jesus had celebrated Passover with his disciples and began his journey to the cross. Walking with the weight of humanity’s sin on his shoulders, he told his followers that they would desert him, but Peter vehemently denied it (Mark 14:27). 

What must his disciples have been thinking as they entered the garden with him? Jesus immediately asks Peter, James, and John to watch and pray. 

Mark 14:34
He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

They see that their beloved master is in deep distress, but their eyes are heavy, and they fall asleep. He returns, gently reproving them for their human weakness, and tells them to keep watch and pray. Again, they fall asleep. When they finally shake the sleep from their eyes, a mob is approaching.

Imagine their shock when they see Judas, their friend, and fellow disciple, leading the mob toward them. After a treacherous kiss, the man they believed to be the Messiah falls into the hands of the religious leaders. 

Then, Peter can only see things from afar. Imagine his feelings of despair. He knows these religious leaders hate his master. He has heard the harsh words Jesus used against them, and now he is under their control. Peter begins to realize that being with Jesus is a death sentence. So when confronted, he becomes the fisherman he was before, one full of weakness and fear. He denies his Lord three times. Then the cock crows. Imagine realization dawning on him. He did the very thing he said he would never do.

Mark 14:71-72 
⁷¹ Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” ⁷² And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. 

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

We, too, can become Peter. We may deny Jesus when being associated with Jesus is costly. Or we may hide in the background when God is telling us to step forward. When you see yourself denying Jesus, what is your response? 

Being with Jesus will cost you something. What are you willing to lose to gain eternity?

Questions: 
Have you ever had the opportunity to claim the name of Jesus but denied it instead? Maybe it wasn’t as obvious as an outright denial, but your silence was essentially the same. What were the circumstances? How did you feel afterward? What do you wish you could have done differently?

Next Steps: 
Read John 21:15-19 to see how Jesus responded to Peter’s denial. Jesus is willing to do the same for you. It eventually cost Peter his life, and it might cost you something too. Think about what you would be willing to give up for Jesus.

Prayer: 
Jesus, I identify with Peter. I feel like I am brave and willing to boldly proclaim your name, but when it comes down to it, I’m weak and afraid. I don’t like to suffer and I don’t like it when people don’t like me. Empower me with your Holy Spirit to count the cost of following Jesus without fear. Help me remember that I’m not living for this life but for the one to come. Thank you for forgiving me when I fail. Help me to become more like you every day. Amen.

This post was written by Julie Mabus, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.