READING: Matthew 26-28
Maybe you recognize this loosely paraphrased conversation from today’s reading:
- “Won’t happen to me.”
- “Yes, it will.”
- “Nope. I’ll die for you, in fact. If everybody else falls away, that won’t happen to me.”
- “Yes, it will. It will happen tonight before the rooster crows. Three times, even.”
- “No way.”
Peter was convinced it wouldn’t happen to him. The other disciples joined him in the same chorus, but he was their leader. Indeed, he did try to defend Jesus in the garden, but still he denied knowing Him when the fire got hot. He did what he had said would not happen.
Within hours, his fear overtook his faith, and self-preservation drowned out his previous commitment. We learn this reality from Peter’s life: today’s confident commitment is no guarantee of tomorrow’s faithfulness when following Jesus becomes costly. Only the saving, preserving commitment of our Lord toward us gives us hope.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much does fear affect your life today?
PRAYER: “I need Your moment-by-moment help, God, to remain faithful to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Mark 1-4
