Monday 24th March
Read Mark 14:53-56
“They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.” (NIVUK)
Mark’s gospel is considered to be a record of Peter’s recollections of his time with Jesus. When we come to Peter’s betrayal of His Lord we might expect some circumspection by Mark, not wishing to paint Peter in a poor light. But Mark hides nothing. It is raw and inexorable. The reader can see what is coming long before Peter is aware himself.
What is most striking about the way Mark records Peter’s betrayal is that he ‘sandwiches’ it with Jesus’ appearance before the leaders of Jerusalem. Peter’s abject failure is contrasted with Jesus’ steadfast faithfulness. Jesus’ willingness to suffer unjustly for others in the face of falsehood is recorded opposite Peter’s lies to save his own skin in front of the fire.
Jesus’ faithfulness is sure despite even the worst betrayals. How comforting is it to know that He will come through.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) (NIVUK)
