What Jesus Did! 'Overstating Our Courage' — Luke 22:33-34

Friday, December 8, 2023

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Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you."

But Jesus said, "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."

— Luke 22:33-34 NLT

Key Thought

One of our weaknesses as mere mortals is to overstate our courage. So often, we fail to realize the power of fear — why else would the Bible contain so many commands not to be afraid? Peter's intentions were genuine, but the power of discouragement, despair, disillusionment, and fear was greater. What commitments have you made to the Lord that you did not keep? Even though Peter denied his Lord three times, [1] the Lord worked in Peter's life [2] so that he would not be destroyed. He can do the same for you in your times of failure and loss. However, we should take the warning given to Peter as our own. When we feel most secure in our strength and courage, we are often most vulnerable. [3] Our strength must come from the Lord and not our feelings of invincible faith.

[1] Luke 22:54-60.
[2] John 21:15-19.
[3] 1 Corinthians 10:12.

Today's Prayer

O Lord, thank you for loving Peter even though you knew he would let you down. Thank you for restoring and using him after his sinfulness and failure. My desire, O God, is never to trust in my own strength but to trust always in your power at work in me. When I begin to get full of myself and confident in my own power, please humble me gently so that in crucial moments I will not fail you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 21:15-19
  • 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
  • Proverbs 16:18

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:33-34 NLT — "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you." —— "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."

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.

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