WEAKER THAN YOU THINK
Opening Prayer
God says his power is made perfect (displayed) in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Ask for his strength today.
Read Matthew 26:31–35
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
esus Predicts Peter’s Denial
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.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Can you think of a time when you know that it was Christ’s power that sustained you?As Jesus and the disciples move to the Mount of Olives, Jesus gives another warning to them. A different sort of betrayal this time—denial. They will run away from him. They have stuck with him this far, but tonight will be different. In his customary fashion, Matthew shows that this too has been predicted in the Old Testament and quotes from the prophet Zechariah (Zech. 13:7).
Jesus also says that he will see them again after he is risen. Why do you think this seems to have been missed by the disciples? Were they too distressed by Jesus’ prediction of denial? We often miss hearing good news when we are distracted and distressed by something else.
Peter thought he was strong enough to stick with Jesus whatever the challenge. Do you ever get proud of your discipleship? You think of all that praying you do, all those church meetings you go to, the witnessing you do… it boils down to “God is lucky to have me!” (though we would never put it that way).
Peter was to learn that we stick with Jesus because of his hold on us, not our hold on him. None of us know how we will react until things get tough.
Apply
What truth is Jesus trying to speak to you today? Take some time to wait in his presence and listen for his voice.
Closing prayer
Pray that you will be able to humbly hold onto Christ.
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