What Jesus Did! 'One of Them!' — Mark 14:69-70

Friday, November 22, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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When the servant girl saw [Peter] standing [outside while Jesus was being abused by the guards], she began telling the others, "This man is definitely one of them!" But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, "You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean."

— Mark 14:69-70 NLT

Key Thought

Galileans were not very well liked by many in Jerusalem. They had a bit of a different accent. Galilee was known as Galilee of the Gentiles by the Jews. Then Jesus was known as "The Galilean." Peter was branded guilty by association with "The Galilean." Rather than defending the Lord or accepting this "guilt by association," Peter continued to deny his association with the Lord. We sometimes get angry and talk badly about Peter because of his failure. The real question that each of us needs to face is this: How many times have I denied or betrayed my Lord when far less was at stake for us than for Peter? Despite Peter's failures after Jesus' strong warnings to him and to us about what happens to those who do not stand up for their Lord, Peter was reclaimed and used mightily. Let's not use this example of God's grace to justify our failure, but rather use it to stiffen our wills so we won't fail and to celebrate the grace of God that reclaims us if we do.

Today's Prayer

Father, your grace is incredible. I am encouraged that even after Peter's failure, you reclaimed him and used him in mighty ways. Dear God, I don't want to fail like he did. Help me to never do so. Also, dear Father, use me to help reclaim those who have failed and don't think they can find their way back to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 8:38
  • Galatians 6:1
  • John 13:31-38

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:69-70 NLT — "This man is definitely one of them!" —— "You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean."

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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