Caely Judy is passionate about teaching the next generation about Christ. With a degree in psychology and a minor in art, she has worked with children for several years. She is an artist who uses her work to spread joy and hope.
As we enter the Easter season, I have been reading through the Scriptures leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. Something that stood out to me is how Jesus begins to prepare the disciples for what is to come. In Luke 22, Jesus is sharing with Peter that when Jesus is arrested, Peter will deny knowing him. Peter immediately argues against this, saying “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death (Luke 22:32).” He seems to be appalled at the thought that he could ever do such a thing, yet Jesus reaffirms that Peter will deny Him three times.
Whenever I read this Scripture, I try to imagine being in Peter’s shoes. I wonder how similar our situation would be. As a Christian, we want to believe that when it comes down to it, we would stand firmly for Christ. Yet as a human with a sinful nature, I can see how easy it would be to succumb to the pressure Peter felt.
What I find amazing is that Jesus knows that Peter, one of His closest friends, is going to deny him, and yet He is still choosing to not only pray for him but warn him of the spiritual battle he was about to face. In verse 31 Jesus says that Satan “demanded to have him (Luke 22:32).” Jesus loved Peter so much that knowing about his betrayal did not deter Him from loving and caring for him. Even having the foresight into what Peter would do, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. It’s hard to believe that Jesus loves His children so much that he can extend undeserved grace towards us. As we celebrate Easter, I pray that we remember Christ’s unconditional and sacrificial love and reflect it in our own relationships daily.
