I Won’t Let You Down…
Opening Prayer
My dear Jesus, You are my confidence, the only hope for my life. I surrender that You might live Your life through me.
Read Matthew 26:31-35
[31] Then 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.’ [32] But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” [33] Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” [34] “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” [35] But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does Peter profess?In business there is a pitfall known as “over-promising and under-delivering.” Today’s passage shows how Peter walks straight into this pit. Jesus’ warning that all of the disciples will “fall away on account of me” (31) seems to fall on deaf ears. Peter honestly believes that he is spiritually superior to his brothers (33). This is a very dangerous position to find oneself in. To believe that we are better than other followers of Christ around us is to court danger. Christ himself and his power within us can be our only grounds for confidence. Jesus rebukes Peter and gives him a specific time (“this night”) and a specific sound (“before the rooster crows”), when he will disown Christ a specific number of times (“three”). Yet instead of asking for help, Peter remains determined to hold out in his own strength. The fact that this story makes it into the Gospel narratives and is not covered up by Peter (who will lead the early church) proves that great men and women can fall.
Apply
Ask God to forgive you for the times you have denied him in your words or your actions, or lack thereof.
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to be faithful to You. How desperately I need Your Spirit and Your life.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.