TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. Mark 14:53-54a
Read: Mark 14:53-72
Listen: Mark 14
TODAY’S MESSAGE
This week we look at two trials. Jesus’s ministry is on trial in the high priest’s house, while Peter’s loyalty is on trial in the courtyard. Jewish leaders grill Jesus by performing an illegal trial to condemn him to death falsely. A servant girl challenges Peter by accusing him of being with Jesus. Falsely accused, Jesus responds truthfully. Accurately accused, Peter responds with lies.
Scholars believe Mark’s Gospel comes primarily from Mark’s time spent with Peter. Peter willingly shares with Mark, and us, his story of falling within the story of Jesus’s triumph over sin and death. His example shows us falling isn’t final because Jesus died to pay for that failure. Jesus knows Peter’s fall is coming, yet he still dies for, forgives and restores him.
Peter’s story is our story. Like him, our intentions are good, but we fail to live up to God’s standard. Jesus knows we will fall, which is why he endured his trial and went to the cross for us when he had done nothing wrong. God forgives and restores us when we accept Jesus’s death in our place.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Think of a time you experienced a fall. Then thank Jesus your failure doesn’t have to be final because he went to the cross to die in your place. Thank him for how he graciously restores us, gets us up and helps us to change.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
