Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 3:16b "Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16b"
Day 305 – Mark 14
“Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16b
A STRONG PROTEST
Jesus had spoken sad words to His disciples all evening. They were truly dismal and appalling to the disciples. How could anyone of the disciples betray Jesus? How could all of them stumble and be scattered? Peter could not restrain himself anymore and blurted out his protest.
“Peter said to Him,
‘Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.'”
MARK 14:29
Peter spoke from his heart. Deep down, he knew that he would never betray his Lord. Neither would he flee even if the other disciples did! These words were uttered with the strongest sense of love and devotion!
DENYING JESUS
Jesus knew His disciples far better than they knew themselves. Peter’s heart was in the right place. But he had no idea what he would be up against! As gently as possible, Jesus uttered these startling words.
“Jesus said to him,
‘Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night,
before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
MARK 14:30
Peter would deny the Lord Jesus! That must have sent a cold shudder to all who heard these solemn words. They were not meant to belittle Peter. They were just grave words of truth.
FURTHER WORDS OF PROTEST
Peter remained unconvinced. He refused to agree with what Jesus had just uttered!
“But he spoke the more vehemently,
‘If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’
And they all said likewise.”
MARK 14:31
1. Peter’s personal protest
Peter could not accept these words of Jesus! What did He think they were? How could Jesus have said such words to them?
2. The protest of the other disciples
They chorused what Peter uttered! They were all prepared to die for Jesus, with Jesus. They would never leave His side!
3. The silence of the Lord Jesus
Jesus allowed for this response! They needed to speak as they did. He kept silent.