March 19

Matthew 26:26-35 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

35 Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same. (Matt 26:35)

Observation

Right after Jesus' foretells Peter that he is going to deny Jesus 3 times, Peter rejects such a notion by stating that he will rather "die" than to deny Jesus. Not only Peter, but all the disciples. I see Peter, who was with Jesus from the beginning, who was one of The Three (Peter, James & John), and likely the leader among the 12 disciples, genuinely proclaiming that he "would die" than deny Jesus. I believe Peter had all the intension and was literally ready to "die" with Jesus... I have no doubt about that. However, later that day, we see all the disciples fleeing and Peter denying Jesus 3 times. Did Peter "lie" about his determination to "die"? I think not. I am of the opinion that Peter was "ready to die" for Jesus. However, when the chance to "live" out his words actually arrived, he buckled under pressure and the possibility of death. Looking at Peter, I couldn't help myself, but also look at myself. What if I was Peter and I had to choose? How would I have acted and reacted? I am afraid that my answer would be very similar to Peter. I have all the intension and willingness to "live" for Jesus, but how many times that I fell short? I used the term "live" instead of "die" because for us today, our challenge is how successfully we can "live" according to God's will. I look at my own self and I see so many instances where I did not "live" according to God and Jesus' teaching. All the times that I made compromises that were not up to the standards of God. Am I guiltless that I can cast the first stone at Peter? Am I better than Peter? Am I "living" according to God's will and teaching? More often than I like, I must confess the answer is NO, NO, & NO.

Application

Many times, I rationalize and explain away that having the "intend" is better than none. These rationalization comes when I failed to do as I should or when I failed to meet what was to be expected of me. Who am I to point the finger at Peter and disciples, for that matter at someone else. I am no better than others. I believe it is important that we are ready to "die" for Jesus, but all the more important is that we "act" or "live" according to the Scriptures in our everyday lives. When I am willing and do "live" everyday, I am that much more likely to be able to "die" for Jesus. Today's verse is a great reminder to "live" even from the mundane and daily routines.

Prayer

Lord, so many times, I thought that I was better than Peter because I didn't "deny" you 3 times. Though, I don't "deny" you publicly like Peter, I realized that many of my actions and my thoughts are not pleasing to you. Lord, teach me, cause me, help me to "live" in a way that pleases you. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

--Ken Chong