Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 March 2024 Message
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 March 2024, Wednesday Devotional Message
TOPIC: Peter’s Denial
OPENING PRAYER: Lord, I pray that you lead me into your truth as I meditate on your word in Jesus name.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 18:15-27
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
DAILY GUIDE FOR TODAY MARCH 27, 2024 MESSAGE
Today’s reading calls for a great caution. Among the disciples, Peter, John, and James were closest to Jesus, with Peter almost like a confidant and spokesman. Despite this, Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus three times, when it was most important to identify with Him.
Read vs.17, 25 and 27 again and think of possible reasons Peter was unwilling to identify with his Master at such a critical time? In what ways do we also deny Jesus today? Jesus had prewarned Peter (13:38) but it seems he was overconfident that he can never deny Jesus. Depending on our own strength is dangerous but if we trust the Lord, He will always help us out of whatever situations we may find ourselves (cf. Daniel 3:16-18). However, if we fail and realise our errors, we must promptly turn to the Lord in repentance (see Luke 22:61-62).
In vs.19-21, the High Priest exhibited attitude of disrespect, craftiness, and callousness, very similar to what we see in our security and judicial systems today. These attitudes are against fair hearing and justice, and Christians should not be involved in such acts against the innocent.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
O Lord help me not to think more than who I am.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 27:9
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 86 – Joshua 16-18
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN
Wed Mar 27, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
ORDAINED MINISTERS’ FORUM
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Timothy 3:1
THANK GOD FOR:
• The partnership of SU and ordained ministers to enhance the spread of the gospel of Christ.
PRAY FOR:
• The empowerment of the Holy Spirit on the ordained Ministers to make a full proof of their ministry in soul winning.
• The Lord to use the Ordained Ministers to strength the existing relationship between the churches and SU.
PRAY AGAINST:
• Every intended conspiracy of the enemy to work against the harmonious relationship between Scripture union and ordained ministers\/ churches.
