Matthew 26:69-75
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Before you read today’s passage, recall these words from Matthew 26:58. Then read Matthew 26:69-75 trying to imagine the thoughts and feelings of Peter.
Though all the disciples initially ran away in fear when Jesus was arrested, Matthew wants us to see that Peter returned to “see how it would all end.” This is the same person who declared Jesus to be the Messiah and then moments later chastised him for talking about the way he would die. Peter is the disciple who, over the course of three years with Jesus, repeatedly exclaimed what the others were afraid to say out loud. And this is the same man who boldly declared that he would die rather than turn away from Jesus.
Peter is obviously a passionate person of action who believes that Jesus is the Messiah. But like the other disciples, he still doesn’t understand how Jesus will save his people. He still views Jesus through the grid of his own desires and experience.
Take some time to center yourself in the presence of Jesus before you go on. When you are feeling still, consider your own journey of allowing Jesus to define himself to you. Talk with Jesus about this expressing any reservations or desires of which you are aware.
Read Matthew 26:69-75 again noticing how Peter slowly crumbles under the pressure.
Peter’s denial of Jesus and his subsequent grief are not the end of the story. John records Jesus’ grace-filled restoration of Peter, and we learn from Luke’s second letter (Acts) that on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus’ followers, Peter will preach the sermon that will ignite a movement and establish the Church of Jesus.
But for Peter to play this significant role in the epic story of God, he will have to come to the point where the only passion that drives him is his passion for Jesus. No cause or activism or inner fire will be enough – only a deep and all-consuming love for Jesus, on Jesus’ terms, will equip Peter to accomplish what Jesus has in mind for him and for the world.
Return to silence in the presence of Jesus for a while. Picture Jesus standing before you and notice his expression. Now notice your own posture before Jesus. What might your posture indicate?
End your time of meditation today by talking to Jesus about your level of love for him. Share openly about anything that might compete with Jesus for your love. Then get quiet and listen.
What do you sense Jesus be saying to you today?
How will you respond?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
