Day 22: John 18:19-27 - In Our Doubt
“Peter denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.”
Today’s Reading Passage: John 18:19-27
Simon Peter was a fiery disciple. Quick with questions. Bold with action. In every place we read about Peter, we see a strong personality that lived with passion and courage.
But even the most courageous of us can have our doubts. Peter was no different.
Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.
The same Peter that didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet because He wasn’t worthy.
The same Peter that was asking who would betray Jesus.
The same Peter that would cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
Peter was on fire for Jesus and was courageous in the face of opposition, yet crumbled when questioned about Jesus 24 hours later.
Have you been there? Have you crumbled in being bold in your beliefs when questioned by others?
Isn’t it comforting to know we’re not alone? That even one of Jesus’ close disciples struggled with the same thing?
In a high priest’s courtyard, Peter started getting questioned. The first came from a servant, which must have prompted others to chime in and challenge him. The third question, ironically, came from a relative of Malchus, the servant who had his ear cut off by Peter.
Hearing the rooster crow would have reminded Peter of Jesus’ words. He would have also been reminded that Jesus knew that this was going to happen.
Yet Jesus didn’t turn His back on Peter. In fact, we see in the book of Acts, that Jesus asked Peter to help lead the early church!
Even in our doubt, even in our wondering (and wandering), Jesus doesn’t leave us.
Jesus continues to love us in all our fiery, passionate, doubtful, mess. He knows we make mistakes and His sacrifice on the cross covered it all.
What comfort do you get knowing that even in your doubt, Jesus loves you still the same?
Written by: Heather Erickson