Matthew 26:31-35

The Prediction Telling Peter's Denial of Christ

32 "But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

33 But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away."

34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."

35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." All the disciples said the same thing too.

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

In the comfort and safety of the upper room, the disciples were brave and declared their loyalty, even to the point of death. But, when the moment of truth came, they all fled.

This reminds me of some disturbing pictures I received recently through email of a Muslim march through the streets of London. The crowd shook their fists and waved signs with these slogans:

• "Behead those who insult Islam"
• "England, you will be the next 9-11"
• "Muslims will rule the world"

I like to hope these were just a few radicals and that, in defense of the Muslim nation, most don't have this thought pattern.

Nevertheless, I'm positive the slogans and the hatred of the marchers instilled a sense of fear, especially to the people (Christians) who were in the streets watching.

The photos above were never shown on any of the American news programs. There are many other stories like this which are never shown in the news depicting Christians being tortured or even killed for their beliefs but they still do not deny Christ.

It is now illegal in up to 50 countries to even own a Bible. Not all are punishable by death but persecution does exist. You can learn more about persecuted Christians by visiting the persecuted church website.

So, although we can easily condemn Peter and the other disciples for abandoning Jesus when the time came for His arrest leading to the crucifixion and bravely recite that we would stand strong in our faith, what would we do in a similar situation?

Talking about our devotion to Christ here in America where, although we may suffer from an insult or two, is easy. But, what if we lived in a country where declaring our belief in Jesus could mean death? Would we be as bold or would we flee to safety just as the disciples did?

I know these are some difficult questions to answer and none of us know exactly how we would react in a similar situation. Our only hope is to pray and ask God to use His great power to make us stronger in faith and pray that we come together as brothers and sisters in Christ for the battles ahead.

This way, if and when that time comes for us, we can depend upon Gods strength, not ours to see us through.

Finally, please pray for the persecuted Christians here and around the world.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 26:26-30 - The Lord's Supper - Communion is the word used by many believers today, especially in the South. We have the Lord's Supper at our church incrementally but many just go through the motions without thinking about what Christ did for them - and us.