John 18
We are reading through the Gospel of John over 21 days at River Church. We are calling this 21 Days with John. I am posting a quick thought every day from my reading. Today we are looking at John 18.
In John 18 we see Jesus betrayed by Judas, arrested and face a trial. We see Jesus brought before the High Priest and Pilate. During this process we see Peter deny Jesus three times in John 18:15-18 and John 18:25-27. This was exactly as Jesus had predicted in John 13:37-38. How many times have we had good intentions to serve Jesus yet under pressure have made the wrong choice just like Peter did? Peter wanted to stand up for Jesus but ended up denying him (John 18:10).
But this is not the end of the story! In fact Jesus later restores Peter in John 21:15-17 and uses Peter as a key leader in the early Church. Jesus is a restorer and forgiver. Jesus has a plan for our lives. You may have had good intentions yet failed when it came to the crunch. Jesus restored Peter and used him to lead others and wants to do the same with us today. Like John tells us later in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness".
My prayer for today "Thank you Jesus that you are merciful and kind. Thank you that you forgive us when we confess our sins to you. Thank you that no matter what mistakes we have made you still have a plan to use us for your glory."
