What Jesus Did! 'The Second Denial' — John 18:24-25

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, "You're not one of his disciples, are you?"

He denied it, saying, "No, I am not."

— John 18:24-25 NLT

Key Thought

A disciple? Yes, a disciple is one who follows a master in order to be like that teacher. Clearly, Peter hasn't gotten the concept yet. He might be willing to be like Jesus in his power, performing miracles and amazing the people. However, this "cross thing" that holds Jesus' attention is not understandable to Peter. So he fails, again. Not just once, but now a second time, he denies his Lord — the very Lord he should be seeking to emulate. History, including Peter's later teaching, [1] will show that Peter did become more like his Master. Aren't we glad that Jesus didn't give up on Peter when he failed [2] ... even though he did so repeatedly! Aren't we glad that Jesus doesn't give up on us either!

[1] 1 Peter 5:3, 5-7.
[2] John 21:15-17.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for my failure and my sin. I do not like my sinfulness, and I want to be more than I am. Please fashion me into a vessel fit for useful and faithful service to you and to your kingdom. I truly believe that you can make me more than I am. I trust, dear Lord, that you can use my failure and my sin to grow me into a more holy and useful person for you. In Jesus' name, and because of his saving grace, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 18:21-22
  • Psalm 103:8-12
  • Colossians 1:13-14

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 13, 2022

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Praise God in the Highest!' (Mk. 11:9-10)
"Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 15:4
"How did you begin to bear fruit? It was when you came to Jesus and cast yourselves on his great atonement, and rested on his finished righteousness......"
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 10:25
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Am Sending You!' (Jn. 20:21-22)
"Again [Jesus] said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.""

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:24-25 NLT — "You're not one of his disciples, are you?" —— "No, I am not."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!