Read: Mark 14:26-31; 66-72
Jesus said to [Peter], “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” (v. 30)
Not once. Not twice. But three times. Peter thought he was strong. Peter thought he was courageous. Peter thought he could take on the world, or at least a squad of soldiers. But in fact, Peter learned a hard lesson that night. Our true strength, and our true courage, comes from our true Savior and not from ourselves.
In some ways, I think Peter’s actions that night might, at times, mirror our own. We may not face a platoon of armed soldiers, but we certainly do face a hostile and watching world. A world that might not threaten us with the sword, but a world that scoffs, that rolls its eyes, that sleeps in.
But here’s the silver lining: despite Peter’s weakness, Jesus nonetheless entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to him: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18; see v. 19). And if Jesus can use Peter’s weakness to build the church, I have to believe that he can use ours as well.
So, here’s the question: Will we deny him by walking past the homeless in the street, letting the widow sit home alone on Christmas morning, or letting an old hurt keep us from our brother or sister? Or, like Peter, will we say not once, not twice, but three times, “Yes, Lord. I love you” (see John 21:15-17)?
As you pray, ask the Lord to use you for his church.
About the Author
Lou Bury is the pastor at Downers Grove Community Church in Illinois. He has the pleasure of serving the Lord alongside a congregation committed to being “the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.” He and his wife Judy have two adult children and two granddogs.
