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March 31 – Mark 14:27-31

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

~ Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT)

Jesus knows how weak and prone to wander we are. He knew His disciples would scatter in fear for their lives when He was arrested. He also knew that Peter’s declaration of faithfulness was genuine. Peter meant it from his heart, but he had yet to face the fearful reality of the cross. Peter’s faithfulness would waver in the shadow of that fear, and Jesus prophesied this in advance to help Peter cope.


When Jesus told His disciples that they would scatter, He didn’t scold them for it. He simply told them what to expect. As Hebrews 4:15 says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses,” for He became human like us. He didn’t succumb to human weakness, though, because He was perfectly dependent on His Father as He walked the earth clothed in human flesh. Therefore, He sets an example for us, while Peter’s self-assuredness should serve as a warning. We must constantly keep our eyes on Jesus, continuously relying on Him as He did the Father. As soon as we think we have the power to face temptation on our own, we will fail, and, inevitably, because we are human, there will be times when we try to live using our own power alone.


With our frailties and tendency to sin, it is a blessing that God knows us so well and loves us in spite of our failings. Jesus loved Peter despite Peter’s denial. He loved Peter enough to warn him of the denial that was to come and to let Peter know that He wasn’t leaving for good. He would “go ahead of [him] into Galilee” (v. 28). Even denial wouldn’t separate Peter from his Savior because Jesus’ love is greater than human weakness and unfaithfulness.


Images of roosters are often found on early Christian tombs because they had come to symbolize a person’s acceptance of the salvation Jesus offers. The rooster reminds us of Peter’s frailty, which mirrors our own, and it reminds us of the mercy Jesus has for us as we struggle in our frail condition.


No matter what your personal struggles are or the weaknesses you face, keep your eyes on Jesus this week. Philippians 4:13 tells you that you “can do all things through Him who strengthens [you].” So, stay close to Him all throughout this Holy Week—“come boldly to the throne of your gracious God”(Hebrews 4:16)—and worship Him for the great love and mercy He has shown you…even in your weakness.

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Teri Boedecker
Teri Boedecker
31 mar 2021

I did not know that about roosters being a symbol. It makes me want to get one as a reminder to me of my frailty. Thank you.

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My name is Melissa Anderson. I'm a spiritual director and ordained pastor who loves God, people, and words. You can read more about me by clicking the button below.

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