Mark 14:26–31 (ESV)
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
26
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will
go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But
he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
Peter gets a bum rap! Why is Peter singled out when Jesus said “You will all fall
away?” So why is Peter singled out? Because he confronts Jesus and tells him “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And then, Peter counters Jesus again by saying “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.”
I remember my Mom and Dad teaching me to never say “never.” They said if you say that about your kids, then they will surely do it. I also remember telling my wife Lori when we were dating that I would never become a Lutheran.
Well, I have eaten crow for that! Especially since I am now a Lutheran pastor.
I pray: O Lord, we often make strong statements and fail to live up to them, or make strong statements that we do
not realize that they go against your will. Lord, forgive us when we get in your way! Help us to carry out your “will” and not our “will.” Amen.