April 9 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Mark 16:1–8

Devotional

He that is not for Christ is against Him. Of the disciples, it seems that Peter sank the lowest. All the disciples of Jesus fled in desperation at His impending crucifixion. In fleeing, they gave evidence that they did not belong to the enemies, because you do not flee from your friends. Peter, however, was different. He ended up in the hall of Caiaphas swearing an oath that he belonged to the enemies. In denying His Master and Lord, He associated himself with the enemies of Jesus.

Peter came to Caiaphas not to confess Christ but to deny Him. To be sure, this was not his intention. When he went into the hall of Caiaphas, he thought he was strong. But it was not long before he was saving his own life frantically at the expense of His Master. Jesus, spat upon by His enemies, observes Peter as he sides with the enemies. This surely must have filled His cup with bitter gall. He had told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed. Now Jesus watches in sorrow as Peter fulfills His words.

Who expected this from Peter? Peter expected it least of all. If Peter had known ahead of time that one day his name would be mentioned separately, surely he would think it would be for some laudable act. He would not deny His Lord. He was faithful and prepared to give up his own life for His Master. But now, because of his exceptional unfaithfulness, he is singled out and his name is recorded for all posterity.

But Peter wept bitterly, and they were tears of true repentance. Peter did not sin cheaply. It cost him wounds, grief, and darkness. His soul wrenched in pain. Likewise, each sin of a child of God should cause him great wounds, great grief, and great darkness. But realize, dear friends, that tears of sorrow cannot pay for guilt. Though they are tears of true sorrow over sin, the sinner who has sinned himself outside of God’s communion cannot thereby place himself back into communion again. No matter how abundant the soul’s tears may be, they were not enough for Peter to be reconciled to His Lord. And neither can tears of repentance pay for our guilt.

Christ knew of Peter’s sorrow and guilt. Jesus, therefore, after His resurrection, sent an individual message to Peter: “Tell his disciples and Peter.” The living Christ thought particularly of Peter, for He knows His own. He knows what each individual needs. In guilt, Peter did not dare to join himself with the others so a distinct message is sent especially for Peter.

Oh, what love Christ had for Peter! When Peter stood swearing that he did not know Jesus, then Christ stood before Caiaphas swearing that He was the Son of the living God. When Peter swore to the enemies that he did not know Him, Christ swore to God His Father that He did know Peter, for He entered into death for him.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.