Mark 14:29-31

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

Have you ever argued with someone? Maybe even someone in authority like a parent, pastor, or teacher? They did not know what they were talking about. You were so confident you were right and they were wrong. Then you found out you were actually wrong, and you have that moment of shame and embarrassment. You let your pride take over instead of listening to someone who had knowledge and experience.

This must have been how Peter felt after he denied Jesus. Mark tells us in chapter fourteen that Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice. Peter argued with Jesus and said he would never do that. He said the others might, but not him. So not only did he argue, but he threw his friends under the bus as well. His pride and confidence took over.

He should have known Jesus would be right. He followed Jesus everywhere and witnessed how everything Jesus said came true. Peter was arrogant. His confidence was in himself, not in Jesus.

While we may not verbally deny Jesus, there are times when everything is going great and we feel invincible. Then we forget about Jesus or deny Him by the choices we make or the words we say. Thankfully, we have a loving and merciful God. When we go to Him and repent, He will restore us and keep us faithful.

Dear Father, we come to You and ask for Your mercy and grace when we put our confidence in ourselves instead of in You. Forgive us when we deny You in our actions and words, and help us re-member that our strength is in You. In Your precious name. Amen.

Contributed by Amy Norton