One-year plan: 1 Chronicles 10-12, John 18:1-27
Two-year plan: Deuteronomy 15:1-16:17, Luke 1:67-80
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Every time I read about Peter’s denying Jesus three times, here’s what I often think about: Peter missed some opportunities to evangelize—to tell others about Jesus. Three times, in fact, someone else initiated with Peter the conversation about Jesus:
- “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” (John 18:17)
- “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” (John 18:25)
- “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” (John 18:26)
Three times, one who was likely a non-believer engaged Peter about his commitment to Jesus. Three times, Peter could have said, “Yes, I am one of His.” Even after he ignored the first opportunity, he could have corrected himself in the second conversation – but he did not. The third conversation gave him an additional chance to speak of his commitment to Christ, but Peter denied Him a third time. It was just too risky in Peter’s mind to identify openly with Jesus.
My situation is different than Peter’s, but I do wonder how often I miss an open door to share the Good News. I don’t usually have someone initiate the conversation with, “You’re one of His followers,” but I sometimes wander past hurting people who are looking for hope and renewal. My insensitivity and silence in those cases say much more than what I want to say.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you miss opportunities to proclaim your allegiance to Jesus?
PRAYER: “Father, help me not to miss an opportunity to speak of You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 1 Chronicles 13:1-16:6, John 18:28-19:24
Two-year plan: Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22, Luke 2:1-20