Day 33 | April 8
Day 33 | April 8 | Mark 14:27-42
by: Mark Graham
The words of Jesus caught his disciples off guard, especially the bold outspoken Peter, who declares: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”
And at that time, Peter believed he would stand firm. But we know how it went for him and the others. Their fear of loss and the possibility of death overcame their mental and verbal commitment to remain true to their Master.
That humanity is seen throughout this passage as Jesus struggles through an excruciating night of sorrow—foreseeing His betrayal, rejection, abuse, and sacrifice.
The disciples wanted to be there for Jesus, but they were weary, and, not sensing the gravity of the moment, they all too easily slipped into slumber. Afterward, they would be ashamed.
Jesus was disappointed, but He, like us, was human, and He understood their weakness.
There are times when we, too, have good intentions for the Lord. We believe our faith is solid and that nothing can rob our commitment and joy. But, then, the reality and stress of life kicks in, and, suddenly, we are caught off guard by the moment, and we fail to live up to what we know God expects of us.
The good news is Jesus understands, and as God, He is there to forgive us when we fail.
The devil uses our conscience to beat us down when we sin or grieve the Lord in some way, but that is his deceit. Like the father of the Prodigal Son, Jesus is always waiting right in front of us, arms outstretched, ready to embrace and help us to find release from the shame and guilt of our bad choices and to return to the path of holiness.
And at that time, Peter believed he would stand firm. But we know how it went for him and the others. Their fear of loss and the possibility of death overcame their mental and verbal commitment to remain true to their Master.
That humanity is seen throughout this passage as Jesus struggles through an excruciating night of sorrow—foreseeing His betrayal, rejection, abuse, and sacrifice.
The disciples wanted to be there for Jesus, but they were weary, and, not sensing the gravity of the moment, they all too easily slipped into slumber. Afterward, they would be ashamed.
Jesus was disappointed, but He, like us, was human, and He understood their weakness.
There are times when we, too, have good intentions for the Lord. We believe our faith is solid and that nothing can rob our commitment and joy. But, then, the reality and stress of life kicks in, and, suddenly, we are caught off guard by the moment, and we fail to live up to what we know God expects of us.
The good news is Jesus understands, and as God, He is there to forgive us when we fail.
The devil uses our conscience to beat us down when we sin or grieve the Lord in some way, but that is his deceit. Like the father of the Prodigal Son, Jesus is always waiting right in front of us, arms outstretched, ready to embrace and help us to find release from the shame and guilt of our bad choices and to return to the path of holiness.
Recent
Archive
2022
January
February
March
Kids Remodel - Update March 1The Garrett Chapel - March 1Day 1 | 40 Days through Mark Day 2 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 3 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 4 | 40 Days Through MarkSunday March 6 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 5 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 6 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 7 | 40 days Through MarkDay 8 | 40 Days Through MarkThe Garrett Chapel - March 10 UpdateKids Remodel - Update March 10Day 9 | 40 Days through MarkDay 10 | 40 Days Through MarkDay 11 | March 14 | Mark 5:35-6:6Day 12 | March 15 | Mark 6:7-29Day 13 | March 16 | Mark 6:30-44Day 14 | March 17 | Mark 6:45-56Day 15 | March 18 | Mark 7:1-23Day 16 | March 19 | Mark 7:24-37 By: Kasey JohnsonDay 17 | March 21 | Mark 8:1-21Day 18 | March 22 | Mark 8:22-33Day 19 |March 23 | March Mark 8:34 – 9:6Day 20 | March 24 | Mark 9:14-29Day 21 | March 25 | Mark 9:30-37. Day 22 | March 26 | Mark 9:38-50Day 23 | March 28Day 24 | March 29Garrett Chapel - finishing touchesKids Space - Main room, classesGymnasium FlooringDay 25 | March 30Day 26 | March 31
April
May
Sunday, May 1 | Day 1Monday, May 2 | Day 2Tuesday, May 3 | Day 3Wednesday, May 4 | Day 4Thursday, May 5 | Day 5Friday, May 6 | Day 6Saturday, May 7 | Day 7Sunday, May 8 | Day 8Monday, May 9 | Day 9Tuesday, May 10 | Day 10Wednesday, May 11 | Day 11Thursday, May 12 | Day 12Friday, May 13 | Day 13Saturday, May 14 | Day 14Sunday, May 15 | Day 15Monday, May 16 | Day 16Tuesday, May 17 | Day 17Wednesday, May 18 | Day 18Thursday, May 19 | Day 19Friday, May 20 | Day 20Saturday, May 21 | Day 21Sunday, May 22 | Day 22Monday, May 23 | Day 23Tuesday, May 24 | Day 24Wednesday, May 25 | Day 25Thursday, May 26 | Day 26
4 Comments
I am grateful that God receives us with open arms even when we fail him!
Thank you Mark for your words! It’s so good to know that my humanity can never keep me from God! Blessings on you today!
Ahhhhhh……. Soo beautifully written, Mark. Thank you! He is a good good God and I am one that needs to walk into that embrace!
What a blessed thought, “Jesus understands, and as God, is there to forgive us when we fail”, always with open arms!