|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus said to Caiaphas, “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matt 26:64). Hallelujah! Your Son, Jesus Christ, is the one who Daniel saw so many years ago. He will be presented before you, and you will give him dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him (Dan 7:13–14). Praise the Lamb! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ trial and Peter’s denial. Jesus’ resolute behavior is such a contrast to Peter’s cowardly actions, and I’m convinced that the difference is due to how these two men prepared for their hour of temptation. Peter had given little thought to the difficult time that was coming, while Jesus had been thinking and preparing for weeks. Peter had argued with the other disciples about who was the greatest, while Jesus had taken a bowl and washed their feet. Peter had loudly proclaimed that he would never forsake Jesus, while Jesus had gently warned Peter of his coming trial. Peter had openly promised to lay down his life for Jesus, while Jesus had purposed to suffer and die for Peter. Peter bragged while Jesus counseled. Peter slept while Jesus prayed. Peter maimed while Jesus healed. And when Jesus was arrested, he fled while Jesus stayed. What happened to Peter teaches me: (1) The danger of pride. Peter thought himself above temptation (Matt 26:33), and he didn’t take Jesus’ warnings seriously. As Paul said, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). (2) The danger of self-reliance. Peter kept saying that he would do this and he would do that. He ignored Jesus’ words: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). (3) The danger of the flesh. Peter was tired after a long day, and his body wanted to sleep when his spirit wanted to pray. I’m sure he prayed for a little while, but he didn’t stay awake when it really mattered. (4) The danger of going halfway. Peter was one of only two disciples who followed Jesus, but he stayed out in the courtyard rather than standing by Jesus’ side. Those who go halfway will find to their dismay that they haven’t gone at all! I take comfort from Peter’s letters, which were written at the end of his life, for they reveal that he learned from his mistakes. The man who boasted he would never fall away later exhorted me to humility (1 Pet 5:5–6). The man who fell asleep in the garden later warned me to be sober-minded and watchful (1 Pet 5:8–9). The man who denied Jesus later charged me not to be ashamed (1 Pet 4:16). The man who was influenced by the world later told me to live as a pilgrim and sojourner (1 Pet 2:11–12). How glad I am to know that we can learn from our failures and be victorious soldiers for Christ! Reflection Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel, the man whose office was a type of Jesus, the great High Priest. Yet he was more concerned about his political ambitions than he was about the truth. How tragic that he should be the one to accuse the Son of God of blasphemy and sentence him to death! What will I do with Jesus? Will I own him as my master or reject him like Caiaphas? Request Father, I recognize that Peter’s failure will be my own if I don’t take your warnings seriously. Help me to discipline myself for godliness so that when my hour of trial comes, I’ll be ready to fight in your strength and power. Thanksgiving Thank you for telling me about Peter’s denial of Jesus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, and I know you will be faithful to sustain and keep me! Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Jesus Is All the World to Me” – Will L. Thompson. Meditation Verse: Luke 22:61. |