February 11
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Are you willing to testify concerning the truth, or will you conform to the crowd? Will you follow along with everyone else or go against the flow? Peter is questioned three times concerning his association with Jesus and three times he denies even knowing him. The cost of allegiance to Jesus seemed too high, so he chose to swim along with the crowd. He valued his own comfort and security over identifying with his Savior. The rooster crowed, he realized what he had done and ran away weeping. Even more extreme is the example of Judas who willingly participated in the arrest and murder of Jesus.
In contrast, we see the firm commitment of Jesus. When questioned by the religious leaders he acknowledged his identity. He could have saved his own life but instead proclaimed, “Yes, it is as you say.” He willingly went to the cross and chose to live for truth even at the cost of his life. He shows us that true life comes through the hard road of obedience, rather than conformity to the ways of the world. Thankfully, when we find ourselves conforming to the ways of Peter, Jesus takes us back. He always gives us an opportunity to return. We can never run too far or deny him too many times that we cannot return. Jesus died so we could have a relationship with him, and this is secured through his faithfulness and not our own. His grace is greater than our sin!
Father God, help me to choose you over anything in the world, and thank you that Christ’s obedience is greater than my sin. Amen.
Where are you most tempted to deny Jesus in word or in action?
Are you willing to testify concerning the truth, or will you conform to the crowd? Will you follow along with everyone else or go against the flow? Peter is questioned three times concerning his association with Jesus and three times he denies even knowing him. The cost of allegiance to Jesus seemed too high, so he chose to swim along with the crowd. He valued his own comfort and security over identifying with his Savior. The rooster crowed, he realized what he had done and ran away weeping. Even more extreme is the example of Judas who willingly participated in the arrest and murder of Jesus.
In contrast, we see the firm commitment of Jesus. When questioned by the religious leaders he acknowledged his identity. He could have saved his own life but instead proclaimed, “Yes, it is as you say.” He willingly went to the cross and chose to live for truth even at the cost of his life. He shows us that true life comes through the hard road of obedience, rather than conformity to the ways of the world. Thankfully, when we find ourselves conforming to the ways of Peter, Jesus takes us back. He always gives us an opportunity to return. We can never run too far or deny him too many times that we cannot return. Jesus died so we could have a relationship with him, and this is secured through his faithfulness and not our own. His grace is greater than our sin!
Father God, help me to choose you over anything in the world, and thank you that Christ’s obedience is greater than my sin. Amen.
Where are you most tempted to deny Jesus in word or in action?
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