A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Friday, March 10, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 15

Matthew 26:69-75

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again, he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Yesterday we spent time reflecting on how Jesus was being unfairly convicted and condemned to die. Today, we are looking at the familiar story of Peter’s denial, which Jesus predicted the night of the Lord’s Supper. Three times, Peter is accused of being with Jesus. Three times, he denies it, swearing that he doesn’t even know Jesus and cursing himself if he is lying. Hearing a rooster, Peter remembers Jesus had said he would deny Him in exactly this way. The man who boasted that he would die before turning from Jesus is now in tears of shame.

The conviction in Peter’s heart was immediate. He was painfully aware of his denials and began weeping bitterly. The crushing weight of his disloyalty, cowardice, and lies came crashing down on him. We don’t see it in these verses, but eventually, Peter would experience Jesus' forgiveness and learn that he would one day die for Jesus, after all (John 21:18–19). For now, though, Peter would suffer in knowing that he was not as strong as he thought he was. God would use that humility to carry out what He had next for him in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Peter allowed the conviction of sin to strike him, and he allowed the forgiveness of sin to lift him up again. Do you sometimes think that there is anything, big or small, that God can’t forgive you for? Are you willing to let God wipe the slate clean and use you in new ways?

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 3 Act of Kindness

“For I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35c

This week, pray about extending an invitation (e.g., for church, dinner, coffee) to someone outside of your family, friends, or “circle.”