August 20
Mark 14:66-72
Peter may seem weak in these verses, but like we talked about a few days ago - we are all guilty of denying Jesus in one way or another. (that was Saturday's lesson if you missed it) So, that is on my mind as I read these verses, but the other lesson I see is that God's word is truth! "Don't cross your eyes for too long, or they'll get stuck like that." This is a warning, meant to scare kids out of doing something their parents don't want them to do. Maybe that is what Peter thought Jesus was trying to do when He said, "before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." (vs 30b) Peter didn't believe that he could ever disown Jesus, and therefore didn't take this warning very seriously. Obviously, Peter was wrong as we read in today's verses. Everything happened just as Jesus said it would. Everything God says will come true. In this world that is always changing, one thing has always remained the same. How blessed are we to be able to read God's true word and study it together! Oh, and by the way - your eyes won't get stuck if you cross them!
Principle:
1. The pressure of circumstances will reveal my weakness, which is no surprise to Jesus.
2. All that God says will literally come true.
Application:
1. How have I denied Christ in my thoughts or actions for fear of being identified with Him or His people?
2. Have I ignored a warning from Jesus because it involves something of which I think I could never be guilty?
3. When have I, like Peter, wept over revealed sin in my life?
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OK, so if Jesus knew everything that was going to happen in every detail (as evidenced by today's lesson about Peter) then he also knew, in specific detail, the pain he was about to endure. I could barely prick my own finger to get a blood sample in a college class. He knew everything that was going to happen to him and he did it anyway. Amazing.
ReplyDeletePeter's denial of Christ was a bold declaration "I don't know this man." My denial is in remaining silent, which is just as blatant. I must speak up for Christ everytime the opportunity arises.
ReplyDeleteI remember in the study of Moses, I always came back to the theme of obedience. Now it seems like the theme of speaking out for Jesus is prominent. To be obedient and speak out would surely be an honor. I pray that I will be up to the challenge. I'm glad this study "just happened" to be before my trip to Ct. where I will surely be put to the test.
ReplyDeleteEven those who were with Him daily still fall short and sin. This is a confort to know that Jesus knew this and still gave His life for us. Yes, John this is Amazing Grace.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Overconfidence is the prelude to many sins. The moment I think I cannot fail, the failure begins. We were created to live in a state of dependence on God. To say, "I will never" without adding "because of God's power" is to assert that we are able to resist temptation without divine help. The old proverb puts it this way: "Pride goes before a fall." And yes, it happens to me often. Part of praying, "deliver us from evil" implies our recognition that we can't resist evil in our own power. We are too weak. So we must be delievered from it. Lord, help me depend on you more. Otherwise I am sunk.
ReplyDeleteWithout him, I could do nothing
Without him, I'd surely fail
Without him, I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail