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Mark 14:27-42 NIV
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
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.
Gethsemane
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
How do you feel knowing Jesus knows your weaknesses and failures?
Precious Savior, Loving God, You know all about me. You know everything, including my innermost thoughts and motives, even those I try to hide from everyone else. You know me better than I know myself. No matter who I am or what I am doing, I cannot hide from You. You already know my failures, I am totally exposed. That is so comforting because I don’t need to fear rejection. You love me in spite of my sin. Your love for me is so much greater than my sin. You have overcome sin’s condemnation. Although my fight against sin can seem unending and overwhelming, I have confidence in Your grace so that I can confess freely and without fear of rejection. You came to this world to give Your life for me because of my sin. No matter what I have done, or how far away from You I feel right now, You are calling me by name. You yearn for me to turn to You for forgiveness. Satan tries to steal and destroy my faith by shoving my failures in my face, but You redeem me from my sins. Allow me to not dwell on my despair, but instead focus on You, who is infinitely stronger than my weakness and failures. You have overcome sin’s condemnation and given me Your Holy Spirit to help me fight evil. Thank You, Lord, that I am freed from guilt and condemnation and can be at peace with You. Thank You that I have hope for the future with You. You are my Father, and I am Your child. I can rest in Your love for eternity. Amen.