Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. Matthew 26:31-35

Steps: 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12

Jesus alerts Peter that there will be big problems for him that very night. But Peter, as well as the rest of the disciples, did not believe Jesus. They had heard Him say these things to others and all of His sayings had come to pass, but this night Peter did not believe Him because what Jesus said stated that Peter would deny even knowing Jesus. Peter found it difficult to believe that He would do that to Jesus. Jesus wanted to alert Peter for unless alerted Peter might get so frustrated that he might do something even worse than denying Jesus. Peter could have saved himself if he would have been humble enough to ask Jesus for help. But he, and the disciples, were still so focused on themselves that he could not ask for help.

Prayer for Today: Thank You Lord for alerting us. We have all had experiences similar to Peter where we have been warned by friends, family, and sometimes even You, and yet we have still found ways to relapse. Grant us an awareness of our need, and grant us a willingness to come unto You to get the help we need. Thank You again for Your alerts, and we pray this time that we will accept it before we get into trouble.