“Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night. For it is written, “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter answered Him, ‘Though they all fall away because of You, I will never fall away.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You!’ And all the disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:31-35 ESV)
It’s easy to think we are stronger than we really are. I’m sure Peter thought he was telling the absolute truth and would never desert Jesus, no matter what. But when real danger came, he lost his nerve. They all scattered and ran.
It’s a good reminder to me not to rely on myself. If Peter and the rest of them could spend three years with Jesus, only to fall apart under pressure, what help is there for me? None—except Jesus Himself. He is our strength and our help.
“Apart from Me you can do nothing,” Jesus says (John 15:5b ESV). Our natural state is weakness. But through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus has joined all of us who believe to Himself as part of His body. Now His strength, His courage, and His wisdom are there for us when we need them. Let’s ask.
We Pray: Dear Lord, live in me and through me when I am in trouble. Really, all the time! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Name one situation you deal with that requires courage.
* How do you find courage when you are in trouble?
* How does Jesus’ humanity affect Him when it comes to fear and courage?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 19, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved
