Lent Day 35 [03.30.2026] Broken Devotions

Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. - John 18:27

Scripture: John 18:15-27

Our scripture highlights the failures of Peter that we as believers share more than we are willing to admit at times. Peter decided to follow Jesus and gains access to the high priest’s courtyard through another disciple who had a standing with the Jewish officials. We are reminded of Peter’s declaration of martyrdom in Matthew 26:35…

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

However, rather than honoring Peter’s words, Jesus declares that Peter would disown Him three times before the rooster crows. In his words, Peter shows great courage and even gains access to put his declaration into action, but despite the opportunity, Peter crumbles at the simple question of a servant girl who brought Peter into the high priest’s courtyard. From there, Peter would be questioned by the servants and officials standing around a fire and deny Jesus two more times. Peter did not have courage for his convictions, all the while Jesus stood trial being mocked and struck in His face.

Understanding Peter’s failures alludes to the same failures we have in our devotions as well. While no devotion of faith is perfect, we are called to address our convictions under less adverse circumstances. This was a very specific time when disciples of Jesus were being actively hunted and arrested. To be so close to Jesus and identified as a follow of Jesus would be pleading guilty and turning himself in for arrest. Under these circumstances, Peter was given access to stand up for Jesus in the place of Jesus’ trial but caved into fear and cowardice.

In our modern day, we have unlimited and free access to the word of God. More than this, we have the freedom and liberty to express our faith without duress. Yet, despite this access, we still lack the courage to speak up in our faith inside and outside the church. Though we know what is right, very rarely do we have the confidence to stand up for what Jesus would do or say. Peter’s story is a call and conviction to a generation that has been given full access to Jesus to have world-shifting courage for the kingdom of God.

Reflection:

1.     When have we lacked the courage to speak up for what is right?

2.     Why were we afraid to stand up for what Jesus would do?

3.     How can we practice a radical faith that not only speaks boldly but lives boldly for Christ?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for teaching me to have courage for my convictions. You have revealed the mystery of the gospel and provided full access to your truth. You have also provided the Holy Spirit so that I can live in Your power and anointing. Help me to have courage to stand up for what is right today. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

제목: 깨어진 헌신 (Broken Devotions)

본문: 요한복음 18:15-27

오늘 본문은 우리가 믿는 자로서 때때로 인정하기 꺼려하지만 실제로 우리 안에도 존재하는 베드로의 실패를 보여줍니다. 베드로는 예수님을 따라가다가, 대제사장과 관계가 있던 다른 제자의 도움으로 그 뜰 안에 들어가게 됩니다. 우리는 마태복음 26장 35절에서 베드로가 했던 결단을 떠올리게 됩니다.

“베드로가 말하되 내가 주와 함께 죽을지언정 주를 부인하지 않겠나이다 하고 제자들도 다 그와 같이 말하니라.”

그러나 베드로의 이 고백과는 달리, 예수님은 닭이 울기 전에 베드로가 세 번 자신을 부인할 것이라고 말씀하십니다. 베드로는 큰 용기를 보이며 실제로 행동할 수 있는 자리까지 나아갔지만, 대제사장의 뜰로 들어오게 한 한 여종의 단순한 질문 앞에서 무너지고 맙니다. 이후 불을 쬐고 있던 종들과 사람들에게 두 번 더 질문을 받으며, 그는 결국 세 번 모두 예수님을 부인하게 됩니다. 예수님께서 조롱과 폭행을 당하며 심문을 받는 동안, 베드로는 자신의 신앙에 대한 용기를 내지 못했습니다.

베드로의 실패를 통해 우리는 우리 자신의 신앙과 헌신의 모습도 돌아보게 됩니다. 완벽한 헌신은 없지만, 우리는 비교적 덜 어려운 상황 속에서도 우리의 믿음을 점검해야 합니다. 당시 제자들은 실제로 체포와 핍박의 대상이 되고 있었고, 예수님과 가까이 있다는 것 자체가 자신을 드러내는 위험한 일이었습니다. 그런 상황 속에서 베드로는 예수님의 재판 현장 가까이에서 그분을 증언할 기회를 가졌지만, 결국 두려움과 연약함에 굴복했습니다.

오늘날 우리는 하나님의 말씀에 자유롭게 접근할 수 있고, 믿음을 표현할 자유도 누리고 있습니다. 그럼에도 불구하고 우리는 교회 안팎에서 우리의 믿음을 당당하게 드러내는 데에 여전히 주저합니다. 무엇이 옳은지 알고 있음에도 불구하고, 예수님이라면 어떻게 하실지를 말하고 행동하는 데에는 용기가 부족할 때가 많습니다. 베드로의 이야기는 우리에게 주어진 이 풍성한 은혜 속에서, 하나님 나라를 위해 세상을 변화시키는 담대한 믿음을 가지라는 도전이자 책망입니다.

묵상 질문:

1. 우리는 언제 옳은 일을 위해 말할 용기가 부족했습니까?

2. 예수님께서 하셨을 일을 위해 나서지 못했던 이유는 무엇입니까?

3. 말뿐만 아니라 삶으로도 담대하게 살아가는 믿음을 어떻게 실천할 수 있을까요?

   
   

기도:

하나님 아버지, 제 믿음의 확신을 위해 용기를 가르쳐 주심에 감사합니다. 복음의 신비를 깨닫게 하시고 진리에 온전히 접근할 수 있게 하셨습니다. 또한 성령을 통해 능력과 기름 부으심 가운데 살아갈 수 있게 하셨습니다. 오늘도 옳은 것을 위해 담대히 설 수 있는 용기를 허락하여 주옵소서. 예수님의 이름으로 기도드립니다. 아멘.