September 6, 2023 - Mark 14-16

We know the stories well. Judas will give Jesus up to the authorities. Peter will deny him three times. I think about all this. These are men who have walked with Jesus. They have eaten with him. They have seen his miracles and heard his teaching. And still, they walk away from him. And in Peter’s case, he is the disciple whom all looked to as a rock. If Peter can be so afraid that he denies Jesus, how careful must we be that we look after our own hearts and loyalty!

Peter, James, and John went with Jesus up to Gethsemane to pray. While praying, they fell asleep. And they were praying with Jesus! Twice Jesus found them asleep. If Peter, James, and John are so susceptible to lethargy, how diligent must we be to pray and stay close to the Lord!

But you know, the cross and the resurrection are not far away for these guys. And they will persevere and prove to be bold and effective spokesmen for the gospel. One day or one experience does not define a life. They failed, but they got back up. Good things to think on.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised

to all who follow Thee

that where Thou art in glory

there shall Thy servant be;

and, Jesus, I have promised

to serve Thee to the end;

O give me grace to follow,

my Master and my Friend! -- John Ernest Bode (1869)