This is one of the most familiar parts of the Passion story. This week, begin by praying before you read this. I have one big question and one big suggestion.
Question: Have you ever denied Jesus?
(To your friends, family members, to coworkers?)
We might think that a little white lie denial is not a big deal, because God will forgive us. We may not even think that a flat-out denial is a big deal. But, what about the kind where we publicly and emphatically deny Jesus? (See verse 71 where Peter is willing to heap down a curse).
Read Mark 14:66-72 a few times. Hopefully the weight of each denial will cause you to pause and think about the times where you yourself have denied Jesus.
Peter Denies Jesus
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.”
And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it.
And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Suggestion:
Because most of us keep these things in our minds and hearts, spend some serious time in prayer. Confess your memories of times you have denied Christ with your words or your actions. Find someone who can share this confession with you. Lean on one another as you lean on Christ. In the moments when you are tempted to hide or run like Peter, ask Christ for the strength to stand and exemplify Christ in your actions and words.
May it be said of you that you have stood strong and courageous bearing witness to Jesus.
By Dan Bender