Mark 14:27-31

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

" '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 "I tell you the truth," 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.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Christ Predicts Peter's Denial

Even though Jesus' prediction of the disciples "falling away" came true, everything was going exactly as God had planned.

When Bad Things Happen

We sometimes wonder why certain events happen in our lives and why someone we love has to be hurt, jailed, or even die for seemingly no reason. It is not difficult to make promises such as the one Peter made to Jesus before the time came for him to be put to the test.

If I am to be absolutely honest, I hope that my faith is strong enough to profess Christ even during dire circumstances but, like Peter, I am not positive that I would not buckle under the pressure - many do.

Let's go through a scenario ...

A group of Muslim extremists comes into your place of business or into your home with assault weapons and asks one of your friends if she is a Christian. She says "yes" and is shot in the head on the spot.

Next, they ask if you are a Christian. What would you do? What would I do? Most of us will not have to go through this type of persecution and do not have an honest answer to that question but there are Christians all around the world facing this very possibility every day. Pray for them.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Mark 14:3-9 - Jesus Anointed with Perfume