Holy Week

I wonder how Peter felt when he looked Jesus in the eyes after denying Him; not once but three times, and just hours after Jesus had foretold it.

Peter had propped himself up as Jesus’ “ride-or-die” companion. He swore
his loyalty to Jesus, boldly proclaiming he was ready to follow Him anywhere, into anything, including intense suffering.

Jesus helps Peter see the bitter truth about himself: Peter would follow, but instead of remaining with Jesus in His darkest hours, Peter would abandon Him first. Peter remembered this prophecy in the moment, but did Peter recall the grace-filled encouragement that came before it? Jesus had prefaced His warning with reassurance In the same conversation, Jesus revealed that Peter would fail miserably and that he would recover. Jesus’ prayers would preserve Peter’s faith, and Peter’s recovery would come with the godly purpose of strengthening his brothers.

When you mess up, Jesus
isn’t surprised or distant. He saw your failure coming. Jesus not only endured abandonment and denial from some
of His closest followers, but faced both emotional and physical torment while bearing the weight of God’s justice. Jesus intervened for you on the cross. And Hebrews 7:25 states that, just like He did for Peter, Jesus forever lives to intercede for you and restore your relationship with Him. So that, like Peter, you will reach the other side of failure for His glory and your good.

Holy Week