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To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.
After the Last Supper, Peter made a grand proclamation of his devotion to Jesus, saying, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:35). Yet later that very evening, on three separate occasions, Peter claimed he didn’t know Jesus at all. The moment he realized his denial, “he went out and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).
If handled in a healthy way, being confronted with our sin leads to spiritual growth. That’s one reason relationships are critical—they reveal rough areas in our character and present opportunities for God’s transforming grace. Relational intimacy forced Peter to confront his own weakness, and he grew more Christlike in the process. And so it is with each of us.
The good news is that relationships also foster healing. After His resurrection, Jesus asked three times if Peter loved Him, and three times Peter responded, “You know that I love You” (John 21:15-17). And with their fellowship restored, Jesus prepared Peter to have a major role in the growth of the church.
Think About It
• Take a moment to thank someone in your life who has challenged you in a way that led to transformation.
Bible References
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Psalm 42
42 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
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