Matthew 26:33
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
Peter is so full of hubris, he is certain that his faith, his character, his love for Jesus, will give him all the strength and the power he needs to stand by Jesus, no matter what. But he was wrong. At the end, he wasn’t able to take the risk. We know that after Jesus’ death, Peter was important in spreading the good news, but not while Jesus lived. How is it that God forgives this kind of betrayal? God knows how weak we really are. He knows we can have the very best intentions but then turn right around and do just the opposite. This is certainly good news for us, but it is sad at the same time.
Holy Lord, I am weak but you are strong. Just a closer walk with you, is what I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
fFriday, March 14th, 2024 (9th day of Lent)
Matthew 26:33
Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”
Peter's denial of Jesus is a sharp reminder of the need for humility and the importance of recognizing one's own limitations and dependence on God's grace. I could really use some lessons from Peter's experience recognizing the importance of my own weaknesses .
Just as Jesus forgave Peter, I try very hard to seek forgiveness for my shortcomings and failures, praying that I will be forgiven as well. Even after failing, I want to continue to serve God and others. I am learning to be humble and aware of my own limitations, and remain positi…
Matthew 26:33
Here again, Jesus sets example for us… Forgiveness that seems impossible. He forgives the betrayal, he forgives the denial, and he forgives our sins and provides us with the gift of everlasting life. I know how I have felt when I was a disappointment to those I love and care about, the guilt was and is still very heavy. Peter had to carry his awful denial for the rest of his life, how profound his guilt must have been, unimaginable.
Heavenly Father, guide me to a life where I always embrace your love and sacrifice, and never deny my faith or love for you. Help me to be bold when I proclaim that faith and love. Amen.
Matthew 26:33
Despite his big talk, Peter must have felt vanishingly small when the rooster crowed and he locked eyes with Jesus. Surely this was the worst moment of Peter’s life - worse than the trials and martyrdom he endured as an evangelist. I suspect none of us has ever forgotten “the look” we received from a parent we deeply disappointed. While this is the tiniest fraction of what Peter saw, my personal memory of this kind of thing still stings. Little wonder Lucado says the moment lasted forever for Peter and, by logical extension, was a driving force behind the evangelistic work he carried out the rest of his life.
Prayer - Lord Jesus, like Peter, I find myself,…