What Jesus Did! 'The Second Denial' — John 18:24-25

Friday, November 13, 2026

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

A Good Ending
Article by Tom Norvell
We don't have to live in the mess of our mess up! Tom Norvell reminds us that as far as failure goes, Peter pretty much leads the way, but he also leads the way in turnarounds and being called back to significant ministry.

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:24-25 NLT — "You're not one of his disciples, are you?" —— "No, I am not."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, November 13, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 23:19
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Help You Escape' (Ps. 124:6-8)
"Thank the Lord, who did not let them sink their teeth into us. We escaped like a bird caught in a hunter’s trap. The trap was broken, and we escaped....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Awakening Paul to Jesus' Call on His Life'
"[As Paul recounted his conversion to Jesus as Messiah and Lord, he shared these words:] "Then [Ananias] told me, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 6:67
"Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with him; but what reason have YOU to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past?...."

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!