Stand By Me

Sometimes we speak too soon.

And Jesus said to them, "You will all become deserters; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." Peter said to him, "Even though all become deserters, I will not." Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." But he said vehemently, "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." And all of them said the same. - Mark 14:27-31

We know the scene.  Jesus is telling them the prophesy will be fulfilled.  He will be taken and they will run away.

But Peter insists he will die with Jesus.  Really? 

Does he truly believe what he is saying?  Or is he boasting about his loyalty?  And if so, who is he trying to convince?

Maybe the emotional outburst was Peter's way of dealing with or avoiding reality.  Or maybe he was just trying to console Jesus.  This isn't going to happen.  I'm with you.  I will go where you go.

How many of us have had someone we thought was a close friend say they would always stand by us, only to have them abandon us when we need them most?

All the disciples wanted to stand by Jesus, but in the end, they were too afraid for their own lives.

Jesus knows that no matter how devoted we are to Him, we can fall victim to our own fears, and yet he promises to come back to us, to show us He is real, and He is always there for us.

This is the promise of God's grace.  No matter what we do, or fail to do, God is there.

We may not be able to stand by Jesus, but Jesus always stands by us.

Any questions?

More to come...