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The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 5 April 2023 – Never Deny Jesus
TOPIC: Never Deny Jesus
READ: John 18: 1-19, 37 (NKJV)
- When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
- And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
- Then Judas, having received a detachment [of troops,] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
- Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
- They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am [He.”] And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
- Now when He said to them, “I am [He,”] they drew back and fell to the ground.
- Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
- Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am [He.] Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
- that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
- Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
- So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
- Then the detachment [of troops] and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
- And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
- Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
- And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so [did] another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
- But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
- Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also [one] of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
- Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
- The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
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THE MESSAGE:
There was this sad story of a Pastor who was arrested with others by bandits. Those arrested were separated into two groups, Christians and non-Christians. The Pastor out of fear claimed not to be a Christian, and was grouped among the non-Christians. Unfortunately, the Pastor along with others who claimed to be non-Christians were whisked off for execution, while others were released. Our text today records how Peter denied Jesus three times during the trial of Jesus before the high priest (verses 17, 25-27). This unbecoming behaviour contrasts his earlier confident assertion never to deny Jesus (John 13:37).
We face situations in our families, workplaces, social media, culture etc when there is a demand to defend the Gospel. Some prefer to keep silent so as not to seem fanatical while others outrightly deny Christ in words or actions. What would you have done if you were in Peter’s position? Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16). Are you ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are there ways in which you deny Jesus in your everyday life? Make up your mind never to deny Jesus in any situation, so that He will acknowledge you before God (Luke 12:8).
PRAYER: O Lord, help me never to he ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
