Day 18

Scripture

Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.”

Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed. – John 18:15-17, 25-27

Devotional

As we read John 18, we see that Jesus has been arrested and been put on trial before the religious leaders. As Jesus is standing trial, Peter is standing outside. He is asked if he is one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter quickly denies that he is associated with Jesus. Throughout this chapter, Peter has multiple chances to not deny Jesus and to tell others that he knows and follows him. All together, Peter denies Jesus three times. After the third time, Peter realizes what he has done and begins to feel ashamed. Why? Because Peter had assured Jesus that he would never deny him.

We all have moments in our life where we are confronted with acknowledging our relationship with Christ, or denying him through our words and actions. While we may not verbally deny Jesus, like Peter did, our actions can tell a different story.

Most of us have grown up hearing the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our actions say a lot about our commitment to Jesus, and how we can have God live through us. Peter was clearly afraid of associating himself with Jesus due to what he believed the people might do to him as a result.

How often do we distance ourselves from Jesus due to fear of what we believe others might do to us? Personally, the fear of judgment at school can cause me to not be fully committed at the moment when having a chance to talk about religion. It can be scary to live publicly for Christ due to the various labels that other students or people will quickly label me with. I have to ask myself, though, “Am I willing to be set-apart and viewed differently if it means being fully committed to Christ?” While I won’t be perfect at it, I should strive to live unashamed of Christ.

Sometimes, though, we are like Peter, and find ourselves denying Christ. In these moments, I begin to feel ashamed. I can only imagine that this must have been how Peter felt as well. Although I feel ashamed of my denial of Christ, I am reminded that Christ has forgiven me through His grace and mercy. I also realize the significance of what I have done and recommit myself to fully living for Christ.

As you read John 18 today, I would encourage you to live fully committed to Jesus. If you find yourself denying Christ, realize the significance of your mistakes and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that Christ has already forgiven you!

Prayer

“God, please help me to live fully committed to you even when it is difficult or when I am afraid of what others might think. Please give me the courage to share my faith with those around me. Thank you for your forgiveness in the moments when I am not perfect. Thank you for the people who you have placed around me who continue to love me and encourage me in my faith. Amen.”