Today we are reading Mark 14. In this chapter we read about the last two days before Jesus was arrested. The chapter begins with Jesus being anointed at Bethany and concludes with Peter’s Denial. “And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:66-72 ESV When we read this story we are struck with the fear and anxiety that Peter was under as he watched Jesus trial proceed. It is interesting that we don’t follow the other disciples as they ran off in fear. The Bible only shows us Peter. What were the other disciples doing? Clearly they were terrified as they ran from the mob. Peter is sometimes vilified for denying Jesus. The truth is, when we are anxious and afraid we also struggle to live our faith. How has God restored you in your faith? God is with you when you are weak and strong. Pastor Tim
