Day 35 | April 11

“You are Peter a rock”, that is what Jesus called Simon in Matthew 16:18 (The Message). Boy, did Peter blow it, right? He said he would go with Jesus, he would even die for Him (John 13:36-38 New Living Translation). His denials, three of them, came after others had seen him with Jesus. He was also associated with the other disciples and labeled a Galilean. “With his heart shattered, Peter broke down and sobbed with bitter tears.” (Mark 14:72b The Passion Translation)

Denial, betrayal, bitter tears. . . I am there with you Peter!
     
I’m so thankful that Jesus chose Simon, a fisherman; ordinary and a bit of a “bull in a china cupboard” personality. (I can relate to that type of disciple.)

Peter, whose exclamation of Jesus as the Christ the son of the living God was the foundation upon which Christ would build his church. Jesus knew what this bold and sinful man was capable of once he was forgiven and filled with the promised Holy Spirit; what an encouragement for me today!

Mark 15:1-5 shows Jesus walking into another arena of false accusations beaten and bruised, already condemned. To Pilate’s question “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus' reply “Yes, it is as you say” brought further condemnation from His accusers.  His silence to additional scrutiny shows us that Jesus would not let anything come between His goal and purpose to redeem the world and to glorify God the Father.
     
Mark 15:6-15
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and tried to barter His life for Barabbas. (Interesting side note from The Passion Translation: “one man wanted a political revolution, the other a revolution of love filling the hearts of all men.”) Pilate knew of the envy that lay in the hearts of those stirring up the crowd. He gave in, satisfying the religious leaders who wanted Jesus dead.

I am that Barabbas, guilty but set free!
   
What a blessing to know how this redemption story ends–Jesus the innocent, taking the place of the guilty.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!