What Jesus Did : Luke 22:33-34 - Overstating Our Courage
by Phil Ware
Overstating Our Courage - Luke 22:33-34
But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!" But Jesus said, "Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don't know me. You will say this three times!" (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
One of our weaknesses as mere mortals is to overstate our courage. So often, we fail to realize the power of fear—why else would the Bible contain so many commands not to be afraid? Peter's intentions are genuine, but the power of discouragement, despair, disillusionment, and fear is greater. What commitments have you made to the Lord that you did not keep? Even though Peter would deny his Lord three times, the Lord worked in Peter's life so that he would not be destroyed. He can do the same for you in your times of failure and loss. However, we should take Peter's warning as our own. When we feel strong, we are often most vulnerable. Our strength must come from the Lord and not our feelings of invincible faith.
Today's Prayer
O LORD God, thank you for loving Peter even though you knew he would let you down. Thank you for restoring and using him after his sinfulness and failure. My desire, O God, is to never trust in my own strength, but in your power at work in me. When I begin to get too full of myself and too confident in my own power, please humble me gently so that in crucial moments I will not fail you! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
"Satan (the devil) has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon (Peter), I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me." But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!" But Jesus said, "Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don't know me. You will say this three times!" Then Jesus said to the apostles, "I sent you {to tell people about God}. I sent you without money, a bag, or shoes. But did you need anything?" The apostles said, "No." Jesus said to them, "But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don't have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. The Scripture says: 'People said he was a criminal.' This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now." The followers said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords!" Jesus said to them, "That's enough!"-- Luke 22:31-38 (ERV)
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