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DON’T BE COCKSURE
MONDAY, MARCH 14
Mark 14:26-31

Zechariah 13:7

 

“…before the cock crow twice,

thou shalt deny me thrice.”

 

DON’T BE COCKSURE
 
Jesus told His disciples that He their Shepherd would be struck down that very night and that they His sheep will all desert Him (Mark 14:27). Peter assured the Lord that he would never do that, and said that he would be willing even to go to prison and to die for Him (Luke 22:33). But Jesus knew the frailties of man and his flesh.
 
The desertion of Jesus by His disciples would surely come to pass. It was already predicted in Zechariah 13:7. All His disciples would flee when the time of His arrest came. Although Peter said that he would not, he would soon eat his words. The Lord told Peter that before the cockcrow (cf. Mark 13:35; i.e. by the time of the 3rd watch of the night—the cockcrowing at 3 am), he would have denied Him thrice.
 
Peter, cocksure that he was, insisted that he would never deny the Lord. The Lord knew Peter through and through. Outwardly he appeared solid, but inwardly, he was like jelly. Jesus was very concerned for Peter. Satan had targeted him for destruction. But the Lord comforted Peter by telling him that He had already prayed for him so that his faith might not fail (cf. Heb 4:15,16). Satan would sorely test him. Peter would fall but not fail. He would come out of this trial matured to strengthen his fellow disciples (cf. James 1:2-4).
 
Jesus’ words of departure disheartened His disciples. He comforted them with these words, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Jesus was telling His disciples to focus on who He is—God Himself. They ought not to feel downcast. His death meant victory and not defeat. His death would lead to His resurrection, subsequent ascension, and eventual return (Mark 14:28). The separation between Him and His people is only temporary. When He comes back, He will take us to His Father’s house which is in heaven itself.
 
THOUGHT: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Cor 10:12)

PRAYER: (Pray using Psalm 56.)

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