Key Passage
The servant girl saw Peter there. Again the girl said to the people who were standing there, "This man is one of those people that followed Jesus." Again Peter said that it was not true. A short time later, some people were standing near Peter. The people said, "We know you are one of those people that followed Jesus. You are from Galilee, the same as Jesus."
— Mark 14:69-70 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Galileans were not very well liked by many in Jerusalem. They had a bit of a different accent. Galilee was known as Galilee of the Gentiles by the Jews. Then Jesus was known as "The Galilean." Peter was branded guilty by association with "The Galilean." Rather than defending the Lord or accepting this "guilt by association," he continues to deny his association with the Lord. We sometimes get angry and talk badly about Peter because of his failure. The real question that we need to face is this: How many times have I denied or betrayed my Lord for far less than Peter did? Despite Peter's failures after Jesus' strong warnings to him and to us about what happens to those who do not stand up for their Lord, Peter was reclaimed and used mightily. Let's use this example of God's grace not to justify our failure, but to stiffen our wills so we won't fail and to celebrate the grace of God that reclaims us if we do.
Prayer
Father, your grace is incredible. I am encouraged that even after his failure, you reclaimed Peter and used him in mighty ways. Dear God, I don't want to fail like this. Help me to never do so. Also, dear Father, use me to help reclaim those who have failed and don't think they can find their way back to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scriptures
The people that live now are living in a sinful and evil time. If any person is ashamed of me and my teaching, then I will be ashamed of that person. I will be ashamed of that person at the time I come with the glory of my Father and the holy angels."
— Mark 8:38
Brothers and sisters, a person in your group might do something wrong. You people who are spiritual should go to the person who is sinning. You should help to make him right again. You should do this in a gentle way. But be careful! You might be tempted to sin, too.
— Galatians 6:1
When Judas was gone, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man receives his glory. And God receives glory through the Son of Man. If God receives glory through him, then God will give glory to the Son through himself. God will give him glory quickly." Jesus said, "My children, I will be with you only a short time more. You will look for me. And what I told the Jewish leaders, I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come. "I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other like I loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other." Simon Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow now. But you will follow later." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!" Jesus answered, "Will you really give your life for me? I tell you the truth. Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't know me."
— John 13:31-38
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