Bible Readings and Devotion for December 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2020
Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible.
The primary reading for this devotion is Luke 22:47-71. At least read this passage to get the foundation for the devotion.
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December 11
December 12
December 13
December 14
Devotion for December 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
In our daily readings we have been working through the Passion account from the Gospel of Luke. In the section for the days which we have in this devotion we see the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, arrest, mocking, denial by Simon Peter, and trail of Jesus. I want to make special note of the denial by Simon Peter.
Earlier in the Passion account Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing Jesus. Peter fiercely rejected this idea. He and the others assured Jesus that they would remain loyal unto death. This prediction by Jesus came true just as predicted. We read in verse 59-62, “Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”
There is good news about this situation, even though most any person would be ashamed to have done this. The good news is that God the Son, Jesus Christ seeks us out and forgives us, even when we falter in our faith. We look to the account of a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus with his Apostles. We look to John 21:1-19, and especially verses 15-19. Jesus has met with some of the Apostles on the beach. They had breakfast together and then they talk. Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter replies three times that he does love Jesus. Then Jesus three times calls upon Peter to live out his mission to, “Feed my (Jesus’) sheep.” Here, the Lord has restored Peter to his role in the company of Apostles. By God’s grace, Peter is one of us again.
So, when we stray from God’s way in life, remember, God keeps seeking us out. The Lord wants us to be his faithful people now and forever more.
Prayer
O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church 