Thoughts From the Bible

Read Mark 14: 66- 72-  Peter denied the man he spent more than three years following.  In verses 71 and 72 we read,  ‘(71) The he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” (72) A secon d  time  the rooster  crowed . Then Pet er called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” and when he thought about it, he wept.’   Peter recognized his sin.  His fear kept him from standing confidently for Jesus Christ as Jesus was being condemned. What did the people who recognized Peter think when Peter denied he knew Jesus?  I would contend it hurt Peter’s testimony of his faith and belief in Jesus. It also hurt Jesus’ impact with those people around Peter that night. They could have easily thought  when things were  hard for the followers,  they did not believe what they said. The impact of denying Jesus was deep.  I need to be aware of how ...

Mark 8: 27- 30-   ( 27)  ‘ And Jesus went on with His disciples to the  villages  of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?  (28) And they told Him, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” (29 ) And He asked them, “but who do   you say that I am?” Peter answered Him,  “You are the Christ.” (30) And He strictly charged them to tell no one about Him. ’   Mark  made this exchange a short  passage,  but the impact was huge. Jesus wanted to make sure the disciples knew who He was. Why? Jesus knew the disciples would be key in the advancing of His message in the future.  Jesus knew the disciples would face many trials while preaching about the kingdom of God and Jesus wanted to hear from them what level of commitment they had in  their souls. I need to be ready at any time to be prepared to tell anyone that Jesus Christ was the Son of the living...

Read Matthew 26: 69- 75 -  My guess was that Peter was scared. This host of people arrived and arrested Jesus. Peter had taken a swing at one of the people there and Jesus had miraculously  healed the man’s ear, yet the people arrested Him, nonetheless. Peter may have thought the religious leaders were going to have all the disciples arrested.  Peter did not know what may happen, not only to Jesus but to him.  Regardless of how high the emotions may have been running that night, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Three times. Pe ter had two other chances to correct his  initial  denials and stand up for  Jesus,  but Peter failed three times.  I need to prepare myself for a time when I may be asked whether I know Jesus or not. I need to not  allow my emotions to  run away  with me and know I will stand as a believer and Jesus Christ and not only testify I am a believer but do so proudly. I need to kn ow  now how I will respond . I...

Read M atthew 26: 30- 35- As I read this passage of scripture and knowing the story about how the disciples scattered when Jesus was a rrested.  In verses 31 and 35 we read this,  ‘Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and  the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Peter said to Him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.’   The lesson I take today from this situation is to be prepared to declare my belief in Jesus Christ. I do this by  continue to engrain God’s word into my heart and mind. I do this by consistently praying that the Holy Spirit will empower me when confronted . Many in our society today have no problem denigrating Christian beliefs when other religions are allowed  to exist without challenge. For me preparation is important and the Holy Spirit is with us today to help us focus on what is important and what ...