Seeing Ahead
Opening Prayer
Praise God who has led you through the past, who holds you now and who knows what lies ahead.
Read MARK 14:27-31
[27] “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ [28] But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” [29] Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” [30] “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today-yes, tonight-before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” [31] But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
To what was Peter blind in this instance?Jesus’ insight into future events is drawn from the revelation already given in Scripture (27,28) and the moment by moment revelation given by the Holy Spirit. By quoting from Zechariah (27) and outlining future events (28), Jesus tries to prepare his followers before they are overtaken by the trauma of his arrest, trial and execution.
They needed to understand that Jesus’ death was planned and ordered by God and it would not be the end (28). Zechariah’s prophecy (Zech. 13,14) makes this clear and puts Jesus’ suffering in the context of God cleansing his people before returning to rule them. But above all, the disciples needed to understand their weakness. Their vehement assertions of loyalty (29-31) only serve to highlight their eventual desertion (27,30).
Like them, we don’t know what the immediate future holds. We don’t even know whether we will withstand or fail the tests ahead of us. We don’t know ourselves very well. But Jesus does. He sees all our selfishness, our weakness, our cowardice and he still goes to the cross to free us.
Apply
Take a moment to examine yourself, your weaknesses and any selfishness. What, if anything could cause you to deny Jesus?
Closing prayer
Pray for yourself and other Christians to be true to the Lord. Ask for increased courage and dependence on him.
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