What Jesus Did! 'Watching by the Fire from Far Away' — Mark 14:53-54

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

[The soldiers and Temple guards who arrested Jesus, took him] to the high priest's home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest's courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.
— Mark 14:53-54 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was brought before the leaders of the Jewish people, but Peter - the leader of Jesus' followers - stayed at a cowardly distance sneaking around trying to watch the proceedings. While Jesus faced the cold ridicule of those in power, Jesus' self-proclaimed loyal follower warmed himself at a fire in the company of those put in charge of the Son of God's torture. While it all seems so despicable from the safety of our distance of two thousand years, if we are honest, most of us have done the same thing. When Jesus, his cause, or his Kingdom is maligned, we sometimes pull back from the discussion, hang back, and try to be unnoticeable.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me wisdom to know how to stand up for your truth, your Son, and your will without alienating others. Also, dear Father, help me to never back down in my spoken faith because I am afraid. I want to be wise and courageous in my loyalty to your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 8:34-37
  • Romans 1:16-17
  • 2 Timothy 1:12

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:53-54 NLT — There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

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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.

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