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.
Jesus fulfills the Scripture that promises the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice
of the Shepherd, even though all His sheep desert Him. Good intentions do not substitute for faith. Only through God’s strength can any Christian face trial. Even though Jesus’ sheep will run away, He will lay down His life for them.
I pray: Faithful Shepherd, keep me close this day and always. Amen.[1]