Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Luke 22:54-62.
As Peter sat with his fellow apostles around the table of their final Passover meal with Jesus, Peter felt nothing but confidence and loyalty to Jesus, declaring that he was prepared to go to prison or death for him. But just a few hours later, with Jesus arrested and taken inside the high priest’s house, Peter was not so brave or confident. The people who asked him if he was one of Jesus’ followers were doing so accusingly. To admit that he was a follower likely would have resulted in his own arrest and perhaps even death. So, just as Jesus had predicted, Peter denied even knowing Jesus.
I can recall times in my own life when I should have stood up for the things Jesus taught and did. Yet, out of timidity or the desire for popularity or whatever, I failed to step forward. We are supposed to see ourselves in Peter’s denials! We know the rest of the story, don’t we? After his death and resurrection, Jesus completely forgave and reinstated Peter…” Do you love me? ...Feed my sheep!” Peter went on to be a great leader in the early church. Despite our shortcomings, you and I are called to serve Christ faithfully and boldly, knowing that we too are forgiven.
Personal Worship Option:
Forgive me, Holy God, for the times I have failed to stand up and, in that way, have denied your Son. Give me the courage and faith to receive your forgiveness and to accept Christ’s call on me to go and feed his sheep. Amen.
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