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Endurance in Despair
Mark 14:27-31, 66-72
Mari Ikeda
A. Jesus who knows our weakness (27-33)
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
B. Despairing in our own weakness (66-72)
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
3. Jesus changes us
Summary
As with Peter, we can become self-confident and arrogant when we lose sight of our own weakness. In those times, we assume that God approves of our goodness. What God desires from us is a broken and contrite heart. When we realize that we are hopelessly weak, we can stop relying on our own strength and put our hope in God’s love. We realize that God’s love is given to us by his mercy, not something we need to strive to win. This is the hope we have even in times of despair. God’s strength is manifested in our weakness.
For Discussion
- Discuss a time you despaired in your own weakness.
- How does Jesus change us?