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PONDER:

Luke 22:7-62 and John 13:1-38, 18:1-27.
Have you ever been shocked at your ability to sin despite your commitment to follow Christ?
“60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

REFLECTION:

Go into any major city or perhaps a resort area in a tropical country and you’ll likely come face-to-face with a major contrast. In one area you’ll see beautiful skyscrapers, bustling city life, luxurious resort living with ocean views, and all the trappings of wealth. But go one block over, or cross the street out of the tourist areas and you’ll find poverty, addiction, homelessness, crime, and squalor. If we’re honest, we usually try to ignore this reality because it creates real cognitive dissonance or guilt within and we’re not quite sure what to do with it.
When you think about it, this contrast explains well the human condition and the reason why Jesus had to go through the cross to begin with. Such a contrast exists within the human heart. Human beings are capable of such beauty and greatness while also being capable of such evil and cruelty. If you’re reading this, you’re probably a person of faith already, someone who has committed themselves to following Jesus as best you can. Despite that commitment, have you ever done something that surprised even you? Something that was obviously sinful and against your commitment to Christ–but you did it anyway? I know I have.
This is where Peter finds himself on the eve of Jesus’ arrest. Despite his initial protest when Jesus tries to wash his feet he eventually states that he wants Jesus to wash his hands and head, too–in other words, he’s all in! Only hours later he would fully deny even knowing Jesus at all–three times! I imagine he was confused by his own behaviour.
Our own double-mindedness reminds us that we need God’s grace in our lives.  The moments where we come face-to-face with our own shocking ability to sin reminds us of our need for the cross. The only one who was pure and innocent was willing to take our sins upon his shoulders so that we could be forgiven.

This grace renews us, strengthens us, and motivates us. 

Without it, we’d be lost, confused, and broken.

PRAYER:

Father, forgive me for my double-mindedness, for saying that I will follow you only to betray you with my actions and words. Thank you that Jesus was truly devoted to following Your will and that I can find true life through His life. Give me strength to live out my conviction when I’m tempted to betray.

PRACTICE:

Read the story of Peter’s restoration in John 21:15-19.  How must Peter have felt in that moment with Jesus?  How does it feel for you to know Jesus hasn’t abandoned you even though you’ve abandoned Him?