Thursday, March 21, 2024

Peter said Never

Jesus was talking to His friends after the Passover dinner as they were walking to the Mount of Olives.  And Jesus told them, 

“This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Then Peter said, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

Jesus told him, “This very night, before the rooster crows,you will disown me three times.” Matthew 26:31

Peter said “never,” but yet, Peter did.
Peter boasts of strength, and yet Peter fled.
We promise, we boast, 
and we swear, but instead.
We run from the task.
 Our weakness is fed. 

Before we look askance at Peter, let’s look in the mirror.  We may see a picture of the many times we’ve neglected to stand up for our Savior.   Peter really thought he would be strong enough to stand by Jesus’ side facing the might of the leaders and the government, but he wasn’t.  I wonder if I am strong enough.  I suppose it’s a question we all must ask, and when we do, we also must understand that Jesus understands us. 

Did He disown Peter?  Did He hurl down wrath on Peter and the other disciples who ran away?  If we continue to read about what happened later, it helps us to see how Jesus reacts when we let Him down.  He continues to search for us and show up in our lives.  

What did Peter see in Jesus’ face?  Maybe a look of sadness, even disappointment, or pain – but I believe those looks at Peter, and at all His followers always contained love.  And I believe He still looks upon His children, His friends, His followers with love as well, even when we fail Him. 

Jesus said never, 
and He never will 
forsake His own children. 
He loves them all still.
He promised His strength.  He offers His might,
when His children face evil – the Devil’s delight.

Jesus is strong enough to love and to save.
He overcame death, 
and He rose from the grave.
There’s no need to fear.  
Jesus rose from the grave!
Hallelujah, Amen, 
Jesus rose from the grave!





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