Mark 14:27-31

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Read Mark 14:27-31 trying to imagine Peter’s feelings and reactions as they happen.

It is a loving thing Jesus does in allowing the disciples to know what is about to happen, but even though he has proven himself over and over it is hard for any of them to believe what he says. Peter is the first to voice what they are thinking, but none of them can accept that they will abandon Jesus in a critical moment.

Peter is fervent in his rejection of Jesus’ prophetic message, vowing to die rather than deny his leader, and the others echo Peter’s declaration. But fear is a powerful force to reckon with.

Read Mark 14:27-31 again as if Jesus were speaking directly to you and notice any emotion or reaction that arises in you.

In our own strength the possibility that we will deny Jesus in some way or another when we feel threatened or embarrassed is entirely probable. Most of those reading this meditation are not in danger of death because of loyalty to Jesus, but many of his followers around the world know that death is a very real consequence of their devotion to him.

Aside from the threat of death, what circumstances might tempt you to hide your relationship with Jesus from others?

Meditate on these particular words of Jesus for a moment: “But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

If you knew for sure that you would encounter Jesus on the other side of the threatening or embarrassing circumstance you were facing, how would it change what you did or said?

Jesus foresaw the abandonment of his followers and still promised to meet them in Galilee after his death and resurrection. What does this say to you about the character and love of Jesus for the faulty humans who follow him?

Talk with Jesus about anything you’ve been thinking or feeling during this time of reflection. Do you sense Jesus inviting you to do something in response? If so, plan to take a step in that direction today.

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