WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Have you come across a story of disloyalty recently, in the news or in your circle of friends? How did it affect you? Courage failed Peter has followed Jesus at a distance into the courtyard of the chief priest. He wants to be with Jesus despite the danger. He is challenged once and goes out into the entrance (v 68). He is challenged a second time and yet still hangs around. The third time he breaks down and weeps (v 72); but he doesn’t run away. Peter is not afraid to be with Jesus, but he is afraid to say that he was with Jesus. When it comes to words, to confessing his faith, his courage fails him. Peter had promised to follow Jesus when others fell away, and not to deny him, even if he had to die. Hours later the challenge comes from a mere servant girl, not from an angry mob or the court, but he fails. A lesson learned It has been a stressful time, with violence in the Garden and the sudden ambush, but the fisherman doesn’t use any of these excuses. The cock crows, like an accusation, and Peter is cut to the heart. He sees how well Jesus knew him and felt this betrayal, even before it had happened. Years later Peter teaches the church the lesson he has clearly learned: ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’ (1 Peter 3:15). Respond: Pray for an opportunity to share your faith today, with courage and sensitivity. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-04-02