What Jesus Did! 'No Way!' — Mark 14:68

Monday, November 21, 2016

But Peter said that he was never with Jesus. He said, "I don't know or understand what you are talking about." Then Peter left and went to the entrance of the yard. [Several translations continue with "Just then, the rooster crowed."]
— Mark 14:68 NLT
Illustration of Mark 14:68 NLT — "I don't know or understand what you are talking about." —— "Just then, the rooster crowed."

Key Thought

Peter denies the Lord the first time, just as Jesus had warned him that he would. On cue, the rooster crows as if God is trying to stir Peter's soul to a new-found fortitude or to remind him of his failure that has just begun to unfold. As the verses that follow show, Peter does not awaken from his spiritual slumber. He continues down the path of denial and abandonment that was begun in the Garden of Gethsemane. How many times have we been caught in the lure of sin or the spiral of spiritual weakness and not heeded the Lord's warning and not found his way of escape?

Today's Prayer

O God, forgive me for not heeding your warnings, for not summoning my courage, for not asking for your Spirit's power, and for not taking your way of escape. Strengthen me by your Spirit, I pray, and open my eyes to see your way through my times of temptation and sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
  • Ephesians 3:14-16
  • 1 Peter 5:8-9

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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