CARELESS WHISPER
Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, be so real to me today. May I see You more clearly as I meet You in Your Word today.
Read Mark 14:66–72
Peter Disowns Jesus
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.[a]
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[b] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[c] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Footnotes:
a Mark 14:68 Some early manuscripts entryway and the rooster crowed
b Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have the second time.
c Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have twice.
New International Version (NIV)
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Reflect
Have you ever misunderstood Jesus?Peter’s betrayal of Jesus is different from that of Judas. If Judas’ betrayal appeared kindly (with a kiss), Peter’s reaction is anger – he wants it known he has nothing to do with this Jesus: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about” (68). Fear of discovery and association are key here.
His third denial is different: “I don’t know this man you’re talking about” (71). Jesus had already told the disciples three times He was going to die (68,70), but the Gospels lead us to suspect that the disciples didn’t really understand what Jesus was saying. So is it finally beginning to click with Peter? Is he crying out here, “I don’t know this Jesus, give me back the Jesus I know and love – this isn’t Him!?”
Does Peter’s breakdown come in the realization that he has not followed Jesus to death as he promised (Mark 14:31), because maybe he doesn’t recognize this Jesus, the one who is going to die? Perhaps Peter is realizing that he will never fully know Jesus until he himself dies and then discovers the full grace of God through the forgiveness and love of this Jesus.
Apply
Which Jesus do you cling to? Do you have preconceived ideas about what God will do? Pray that you will be able to let them go, confident that you can trust Him for the future.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I give You permission to be fully You in my life. Root out any preconceived notions I have; let me see You for who You truly are.
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