READ: Mark 14:27-31
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep will be scattered.’

28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

REFLECT: In the biographies of Jesus we have in the New Testament, no one speaks more often than Peter. He wasn’t the thoughtful, measured type. Instead he impulsive and rash, often speaking before his brain was fully engaged. Yet he quickly became the recognized leader of the group. Whenever the twelve are listed, Peter’s name is always first (and Judas’ last). His forceful personality, charismatic presence, enthusiastic temperament and warm heart made him the life of every party. But his passionate approach to life regularly got him in trouble. At times immature and undisciplined, he made more mistakes than the rest of the disciples (Judas excepted) combined.

And yet Jesus saw great potential in him. Whatever he put his mind to, Peter was all in. He was courageous, faithful and committed. And he was humble. Surprised? Yes, humble. You see, as headstrong as Peter was, he also was remarkably sensitive to the Spirit. In fact, no one was quicker to confess his sins. Peter may have stumbled again and again. But each time he ‘fessed up. The first time they met, Peter told him, “Get away from me, for I am a sinful man.” And when “the rooster crowed the second time... [Peter] broke down and wept.” This’s why in the first case, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” And in the second, “follow me.”

After Jesus was gone, Peter preached to thousands in the center of Jerusalem. And without apology, he told them to “Repent… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Peter knew firsthand the crushing weight of sin and the glorious freedom of forgiveness. This is how he began a letter he wrote to some of the earliest Christians: “

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-4, 8-9) 

RESPOND: What does this have to do with us? We’re often like Peter. We blunder ahead without thinking and find ourselves in impossible situations. We sin over and over and feel the guilt and shame of it all. But what Peter’s story tells us is be careful not to sin, but when you do be quick to confess, and be “filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.”