Let’s close out our journey through Mark with observations on good old Peter. (The 5x5x5 reading plan started us in Acts on January 25.)

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. (Mark 14.26 – 31, ESV)

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14.38, ESV)

I’ve often read “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak,” but this time it seemed to tie directly with Peter. I know you’re willing to die with me and for me. However, you won’t (at this time!) because you are weak.

We all know that Peter stayed close enough to actually deny him. (The others all ran far away.) Thus after the resurrection, we have this poignant verse in Mark:

But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mark 16.7, ESV)

Why “Tell his disciples AND Peter…”? Because Peter had failed and didn’t consider himself a disciple. (Verse 7 is really a short version of John 21.)

Like most of us, Peter had not yet grasped the concept of grace. “I’ve failed and can’t be on the team anymore.”

I want to continue thinking about this tomorrow.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (Psalm 37.23, 24, NLT)