2009 Christian Education Sabbath

Thought Starter

Peter cried that night.

In his mind, events weren’t supposed to happen that way. Peter was sure that Jesus was the Messiah, sent by God. He had walked away from his family’s business. For years, he had followed Jesus and just that night promised to stand by Him—even if that meant death.

The disciples brought swords to the garden that night, and someone used one on the chief priest’s servant, but Jesus intervened. He stopped the fighting, healed the wound, and was captured. Peter’s expectations were shattered. He was newly aware of a powerful cowardice, a self-preservation, at work in him. Instead of standing with Jesus, he ran. Instead of identifying with Jesus, he denied knowing the man. When the rooster crowed and Jesus looked straight at him, Peter fled.

Peter’s life didn’t end that night.

God raised Jesus. Jesus found Peter and called him to follow. In turn, Peter proclaimed the Gospel on Pentecost and started the Gentile Gospel ministry. God changed Peter and used him mightily! His “self” preservation disappeared. He was probably martyred for Jesus. His life demonstrated exalting Jesus as King.

Jesus found and called you, too! Do you serve Jesus as Lord and exalt Him as king?