A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Day 6

Matthew 26:31-33

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

You’ve heard the phrase "buyer beware," but have you ever heard of believer beware? If only Peter had seen this billboard message before this conversation with Jesus. You’ve got to love Peter…his heart was in the right place, he was a loyal friend, and he was filled with so much enthusiasm! He was just a bit too confident in himself and in his own strength and stability.

In our reading, Jesus gave His guys a warning of their forthcoming actions. He also gave them hope of His assured resurrection. Jesus quotes the prophecy from Zechariah, which was about to be fulfilled — the shepherd was going to be struck and the sheep scattered, yet Peter would have none of that. Indeed, all the disciples were clueless to the fact that they would not have the courage to cling to Christ in His hour of need.

Surely we can all relate to Peter. I think these verses are a “heads up” for us as well. We can't rely on our own fleeting power and strength. If we get too content and confident in our own abilities, the fall is not far. I love this quote by Ann Voskamp: “Life isn’t about controlling things — but about letting God control you.”

Imagine a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being relying fully on God’s power and strength. Where are you on that scale today?

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 2 Act of Kindness

*“For I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink” *Matthew 25:35b

This week, donate water to a homeless shelter or make a donation to a “clean water mission” organization (i.e., Splash.org, Water.org)