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

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Spiritual Resources' (Ep. 6:17-18)
"Dear Father, my resource for everything, Help me make full use of your spiritual resources given to me. Help me destroy evil through the power of..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Lies and Deceit Hinder Relationship with God'
"I will look for trustworthy people so I can live with them in the land. Only those who live innocent lives will be my servants. No one who is..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Peter 2:15-16
"It is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;....."
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......"

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!